| Harry Hippie | |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Bobby Womack |
| Album: | Understanding |
| A-Side: | Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good) |
| Released: | December 1972 |
| Recorded: | 1972 |
| Studio: | American Studios, Memphis, Tennessee |
| Genre: | R&B, deep soul, country soul |
| Length: | 3:51 |
| Label: | United Artists |
| Producer: | Bobby Womack |
| Prev Title: | Woman's Gotta Have It |
| Prev Year: | 1972 |
| Next Title: | Across 110th Street |
| Next Year: | 1973 |
"Harry Hippie" is a 1972 song written by Jim Ford, who wrote it for singer Bobby Womack as a dedication to his brother, bass guitarist Harry Womack.
The song was loosely based on Bobby's brother's carefree behavior and was originally recorded as a funny tribute to his brother, that turned tragic when Harry Womack was killed by his girlfriend during a fight in 1974. From then on until his death, Bobby Womack sung the song as a dedication to his fallen late brother.[1]
Womack explains the story behind the song and its aftermath:
The song was a top-10 R&B hit for Womack when issued as a single in 1973, reaching number eight on the chart, and was Womack's second top-40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number 31 on the chart.[2]
| Chart (1972/73) | Peak position | |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 31 | |
| US Best Selling Soul Singles (Billboard)[3] | 8 |