On this day in 1904, actor, musician, and entertainer Phil Harris was born. He is best known by Disney fans for lending his voice to Baloo the Bear in ‘The Jungle Book’ and later ‘TaleSpin,’ Thomas O’Malley in ‘The Aristocats,’ and Little John in ‘Robin Hood.’ Harris had a long career in radio, where he became the musical director and orchestra leader for Jack Benny. He had an unusual first name, Wonga, which comes from a Cherokee word meaning “fast messenger.” [120th birthday in 2024]
