WATCH: Raiders guitarist Danny Harris dies at 82 - IOL

Danny Harris died after a short illness.

Legendary Raiders guitarist Danny Harris, 82, has died after a short illness.

Harris’ son Kirsh Harris said the well-known musician died on Thursday at the Lenmed eThekwini Hospital and Heart Centre after being hospitalised for 40 days.

He said the family was arranging his funeral for October 10.

“My dad loved music and played his last gig about two years ago, at age 80, at the Havannah Grill in Suncoast. He still played music at church.”

Kirsh said Harris started playing the guitar when he was 14 years old.

He said the highlight of Harris’ music career was being a founding member of the Raiders, and the band’s lead guitarist from the 60s to the 90s.

“My dad was proud of being a founding member of the Raiders, and recording albums. Other highlights of his career included playing with South African singer-songwriter and guitarist Jonathan Butler.

“He was most proud of the students he taught, who he watched become great musicians. One of them was Ernest Earl.

“He taught youngsters from home, and would travel to their homes to teach them. He also taught music at church. He will be dearly missed by us all,” Kirsh added.

The Raiders rose to fame in the 60s for their dance hits, including ‘Guitar Boogie’ and ‘Chez Gaye Special’, which Harris went on to perfection with only two of his mobile fingers after he suffered a medical setback about 20 years ago.

Tributes have poured in on social media from Harris’ fellow musicians and fans.

Musician Charlie Pillay said: “It was indeed a pleasure for me to have met Danny Harris many years ago in Phoenix. I was inspired by the Raiders and most of the instrumentals I used to play were Raiders songs. 

“He allowed me to play with his guitar and it was such an honour to meet this maestro in person and to play with his guitar. 

“We have become great friends ever since. Danny is also a Pastor and we hosted him at a club when we changed into a Gospel Club,” Pillay said.

Sadha Munien said he hosted Harris at his music recording studio in 2022. 

He described Harris as a great legend, and said Harris has left a legacy in the country’s music space.

Harris leaves behind his wife, Jane, two children Kirsh and Kamsiliya, and two grandchildren.