About Harrison Kerr
Lived 1897 – 1978 (aged 80–81). Harrison Kerr was an American composer.
Harrison Kerr (b. Cleveland, Ohio, October 13, 1897; d. Norman, Oklahoma, August 1978) was an American composer of contemporary classical music, editor, administrator, and educator.
He studied in Cleveland, Ohio with James H. Rogers, in Paris with Nadia Boulanger. From 1949 to 1969, he served as professor of music and dean at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma.
He also served as the first Executive Secretary of the American Music Center (which he helped to found) as well as the first Executive Secretary of the American Composers Alliance. In addition, he served on the editorial boards of New Music Editions and New Music Quarterly Recordings.
Among his many works are four symphonies and an opera entitled The Tower of Kel (1958–60). His music is recorded on the Composers Recordings, Inc. label.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in Harrison Kerr's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Harrison Kerr's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Harrison Kerr?
American composer
When was Harrison Kerr born?
Harrison Kerr was born on 13 October 1897 in Cleveland.
When did Harrison Kerr die?
Harrison Kerr died in 1978 in Norman.
What was Harrison Kerr's occupation?
Harrison Kerr was a composer.
What nationality was Harrison Kerr?
Harrison Kerr was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Harrison Kerr. https://biography.guide/harrison-kerr/
MLA: "Harrison Kerr." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/harrison-kerr/.
Chicago: "Harrison Kerr." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/harrison-kerr/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 04:57 UTC