About Harry Shields
Lived 1899 – 1971 (aged 71). Harry Shields was an American jazz musician.
Harry Shields (June 30, 1899 – January 19, 1971) was an American jazz clarinetist.
Background Shields was born in Uptown New Orleans, the younger brother of noted clarinetist Larry Shields. He spent almost his entire career in New Orleans. He played with the bands of Norman Brownlee, Sharkey Bonano, Tom Brown, Johnny Wiggs, and others. Many fellow musicians regarded Harry as superior to his more famous brother, Larry. Johnny Wiggs commented that Shields was the only clarinetist he'd heard who could always play the right note without fail.
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Important facts
People in Harry Shields's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Harry Shields's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Harry Shields?
American musician
When was Harry Shields born?
Harry Shields was born on 30 June 1899 in New Orleans.
When did Harry Shields die?
Harry Shields died on 19 January 1971 in New Orleans.
What was Harry Shields's occupation?
Harry Shields was a jazz musician.
What nationality was Harry Shields?
Harry Shields was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Harry Shields. https://biography.guide/harry-shields/
MLA: "Harry Shields." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/harry-shields/.
Chicago: "Harry Shields." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/harry-shields/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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