The Happy Six
| Company type | Music ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1919 |
| Founder | Harry Yerkes |
| Defunct | 1923 |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Harry Yerkes, Alcide Nunez, Tom Brown, Phil Ohman, George Hamilton Green, Ted Fiorito, Jack Kaufman |
| Products | Jazz recordings |
| Parent | Columbia Records |
The Happy Six was an early jazz ensemble overseen by Harry Yerkes, which recorded extensively under the Columbia Records label, achieving significant commercial appeal and artistic recognition.
Operating between 1919 and 1923, the band featured New Orleans musicians such as Alcide Nunez (active 1919–1920) and Tom Brown, alongside classically trained artists including Phil Ohman and George Hamilton Green. Contributions also came from pianist Ted Fiorito and occasional vocalist Jack Kaufman. Their sound combined traditional jazz with popular music influences, marking an early example of what would later be known as jazz fusion.
During their tenure, The Happy Six produced over 80 recordings for Columbia. Among their highest-selling songs were:
- Do You Ever Think of Me
- Down Yonder
- My Sahara Rose
Additionally, notable tracks praised by critics include:
- Behind Your Silken Veil
- Grieving for You
- My Little Bimbo Down on the Bamboo Isle
A reissue by Rivermont Records featuring liner notes authored by Mark Berresford earned a Grammy nomination in 2010 for Best Album Notes.