Being the best is important when you recognize who and what you want to be. Music especially singing became a way of life for Kousi’. As a senior in high school, he formed a group called the Roman Six. After school, three members of the group went to service. When Kousi became acquainted with Jay Robinson, a writer, producer and vocalist from Cleveland, Ohio, the group changed its name to J. Robinson and the Dynamics. While performing in local night clubs in Florida, Papa Don Strouda of WNVY radio had enough faith in the group to record them. Kousi felt like this was his golden opportunity and with bad judgement, determination and starry eyes, he left home with family’s car.. ‘just forgot to tell his parents’ car’… and went to Muscle Schoals, Alabama to record J. and the Dynmics recorded their first single; “I Can’t Live Without You” (” I Don’t Wanna Be Your Puppet Anymore”) in answer to “I’m Your Puppet”, a hit of the 60’s. The group later recorded for Mercury Records.
Kousi’s mother wanted him to sing in church but through the message in his music, his love for God and inner spirituality, he showed her his life had not been damaged as an entertainer, nor his beliefs denied. Kousi’s concept of music and life is all about love, joy and peace. When Kousi’ came to Memphis, entertainers like Otis Redding, Sam and Dave and the Mad Lads were all getting started. His music had already been influenced by artists like James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Nat King Cole, Elmo James, Buddy Holley and Hank Williams. These artists provided a versatile attitude for Kousi’.
In search of developing a new sound and image, Kousi organized the group Brothers Unlimited from four different acts in the Memphis area.This group of musicians and vocalist came to together in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968, with a unique live sound blending funk, soul, rock, funkadelic, and smooth vocals. The group was organized by John “Kousi” Harris from Pensacola, Fl., formerly of the group J Robinson and The Dynamics who recorded on the MALA label, and Jerry Jones a local Memphis Vocalist. Curtis Johnson, and brother Harold “Quake” Johnson had formerly been members of The Chips/ Astors, that recorded with Stax Records. The musicians had been playing locally with several groups, when John and Jerry had and idea to join these different talents to create a new sound. The group was self managed, with Curtis doing the booking and creating tours throughout Memphis night clubs, and on the Florida, and Alabama Gulf Coast. The group also travelled north to the Michigan area, but spent most of their time in the lower south east. In 1970, the group produced (with Fame Records) and recorded an album that was released on the Capitol Records label, “Who’s For the Young”. In 1972, the group disbanded, allowing some members of the group to join the “new” Bar-Kays, when the group was re-organized, following the death of Ottis Redding and all but 2 members of The “Original” Bar-Kays.
Determination strikes again. Kousi’ began to really realize how serious he was about his music and everybody involved with him had to be just as dedicated as he was. Kousi’ discovered he couldn’t ‘run away’ from music. When he moved to Ohio from Memphis to avoid the music business, so he thought, his brothers stepped in and got him straight. With their support, Attorney Allen B. Schaffer, Mr. Lester Mays and his business partner, Curtis Johnson, FUNK FACTORY PROMOTIONS AND PRODUCTIONS, INC. was orginated. Funk Factory Promotions and Productions recorded “Wake-Up” on C.Q.C.’s, Kousi’s new group, and released the product in the mid-west market. The rhythm track was cut by Spro Cyra in Buffalo, New York. This recorded made all the music trade publications when this group resolved Kousi’ move backed to Memphis.
Kousi’ just couldn’t leave music alone. in Memphis, Kousi” joined the group Larry Lee and the Boomergangs. Larry Lee is a former guitarist for Jimi Hendrix and Al Green. Kousi’ met Matte’ Wray while working with Larry Lee and they later formed a duo and organized a group with Minnie Ripperton’s nephew, Terrell; Matte’ and Kousi’ featuring Mystic Voyage. This duo is was a winner. They are unite as man and wife with four children. The inventive instincts were aroused in Kousi’ and he decided to create his own percussion instrument. Remembering the rhythm and feeling his grandmother had while she was washing clothes on a washboard and singing gospel songs. Kousi’ used the washboard as the basic for his new instrument with his creative input for a modernized percussion instrument with great sound effects Willie Hall, a Memphis base drummer and percussionist, was quite instrumental to Kousi’ in completing his concept of the RHYTHUM-U. You’ve got to see it to believe it and hear it to truly understand its potential.
Kousi’ has now move back to his hometown Pensacola, Florida where he and wife has set up a new company, High Pyramid Records in 1999.