Star Search Champion, Sam Harris (14 show compilation, 1984)

► Download the original Motown albums available now! ► SamTunes.NET ◄
► / samfans
Twitter ► / samharris
Web Site ► SamHarris.com
Subscribe! ► SamTube.com
All performances by Sam Harris on one video compilation.
* For educational and historic purposes only.
* Videos are unavailable for sale or distribution.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
Star Search is a television show that was produced from 1983 to 1995, hosted by Ed McMahon, and created by Alfred Masini. A relaunch was produced in 2002 - 2004. The judges are removed for the Championship show, and the studio audience votes for the winners. Winners of Male Vocalist, Female Vocalist, Vocal Group, Comedy, and Dance are awarded $100,000 but unlike American Idol, no record contract was guaranteed. Many Star Search winners from the early seasons secured recording contracts within a few weeks of the end of the competition - first season male vocalist champion Sam Harris signed a recording contract with Motown Records, and released two albums with several singles and music videos. Also landing contracts were third season female vocalist champion Linda Eder, second season junior male vocalist champion Jimmy Salvemini, fourth season male vocalist champion David Slater, and first season junior female vocalist runner-up Tiffany. Just to name a few.
Sam Harris' career has spanned more than two decades in the public eye and run the gamut from singer/songwriter to stage, film, television actor to writer, producer, director. Born in Oklahoma, Sam performed in his first play when he was five and was known to jump on any makeshift stage, be it a wooden crate or a dining room table, and belt out a tune.
His phenomenal "overnight" rise catapulted him into recording industry, where he sold over a million copies of both Sam Harris and Sam-I-Am, which he also produced. Concert tours, including a legendary performance at Carnegie Hall. The little white kid with the soulful voice was suddenly in every magazine and on every talk show. Worldwide, he headlined at the San Remo Festival, the Montreaux Festival, and played London to standing ovations.
Sam also created and wrote the TBS sitcom, Down to Earth with college cohort Bruce H. Newberg, which ran for 4 years. At the request of Elizabeth Taylor, Sam became one of the first celebrities to lead the fight against AIDS. It would mark the beginning of his work as an activists for human rights.
Sam began itching for the theatre again, and he starred in productions of Cabaret, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the self-penned shows Different Hats and, most notably, Hard Copy.
He continued to record, this time reflecting his love of classics and Broadway songs on the critically acclaimed cds, Standard Time and Different Stages, both produced, arranged and conducted by the legendary Peter Matz. This cd was recorded the old fashioned way - live with the orchestra.
Broadway called and Sam moved to New York, where he received a Drama Desk nomination for his role in Tommy Tune's Grease. Immediately following, he lead the Broadway National tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, where sales records were broken all over the country. Soon after, Sam next starred in Cy Coleman's The Life, for which he received the Drama-League Award as well as Tony, Outer Critic's Circle and Drama Desk nominations.
Sam co-produced the television special "Love Letter to New York" and supervised and arranged several songs and supervised segments of "Michael Jackson's 30 Year Anniversary Special". Sam then moved back to Los Angeles and had barely unpacked when he returned to New York in Mel Brook's smash hit The Producers on Broadway.
Sam has worked with the legends who influenced him such as Stevie Wonder, Elizabeth Taylor, Sammy Davis Jr., Elton John, Al Green, Cyndi Lauper, The Boston Pops and long time collaboration and friendship with the great Liza Minnelli. He has performed at the White House. Appeared on shows such as Arsenio Hall, The Joan Rivers Show, Merv Griffin, Geraldo, American Bandstand, Soul Train, The Tonight Show, The Today Show, Rosie, The View, Barbara Walters Show, and performed "You'll Never Walk Alone" on The Oprah Winfrey Show following September 11th, 2001.
As "Perry Pearl" on the CBS sitcom, "The Class", Sam's chameleonic career took a new turn as a series regular on network television. Popular columnist Liz Smith wrote, "Sam Harris is the comic breakout of the television season!"
FOR MORE INFORMATION & BUSINESS CONTACT:
SamHarris.com

[@skpdoodle]

Still, one of the most gifted vocalist, EVER!

[@youmama143]

I have loved Sam Harris ever since he walked out on stage and performed in star search!

[@MrElephantman55]

A Voice with Feelings..... chill and goose bumps for all those high notes.... the tone the quality of this voice... makes you just want to sit in the front row and listen all day and night This is talent at its best..... Look at the emotion and facial movements..... he sings with his entire body...... from head to toe....

[@Babbelbetje1]

That voice, that smile, those eyes, they say it all. Boy what a man ;)

[@carynvanwyk]

Sam Harris ruled that show.

[@c13townsend]

TRUE talent...needs to resurface!! Many others who are in the lime-light should take note! Pure...raw...TALENT!!!!

[@aquarius1128]

He is always the best. Still gives me chills. Love you, Sam Harris!

[@TMaeGallagher]

Wow... did that bring back memories! I remember the feeling I had watching his talent unfold before my eyes on Star Search. That voice... nothing like it... he makes it appear effortless! Thanks Sam!

[@CrAzzyWak]

The first performance (I am changing) is probably one of the greatest performances in history.

[@barbarellagb]

i sat in front of the tv with a cassette recorder each week and taped all his star search spots ..and 5 years later in my dressing room backstage of a show, i thought someone was playing my tape...but my co-star had taped it too....we are good friends to this day, we even caught Sam as Joseph in Green Bay, WI . so thanks for this post!

[@DONGOE]

Sam Harris was/is a great performer with an amazing voice !!!

[@peter212]

You were only reason I watched Star Search Sam ! Saw you Broadway and wished you had done more shows. I am a huge fan of your singing.

[@stephdewaegeneer966]

Good God. I love to watch Sam Harris on StarSearch. What a great memory.

[@TQfabulous]

Sam's "Over the Rainbow" is still my favorite. I need to upgrade my cassette to CD and I-Tunes. Thank you for sharing your voice, Sam!!!

[@owllover53914]

Love Me Some Sam

[@booksmusicart]

loved Sam the first time i heard him back then, still love him, and still continue to pass on the opportunity to love him to others

[@donnajeansherrard3528]

I too forgot Sawyer Brown was on that year. I absolutely get goose bumps when I hear the end of Rainbow by Sam.

[@ramon1802]

Me and my cuz were teenagers and we both were glued to Star Search just to watch Sam Harris. In those days no DVD - it was live and we had to show up. I agree I'm surprised he did not become a superstar. Such incredible talent. I guess he missed his time of the great ones like Judy, Frank, Sammy ect. They don't appreciate and support this type of talent these days.

[@ericsimmons5982]

I only wish that Judy could have heard him sing her song! Damn! What pipes!

[@roger25375]

You feel every note and emotion, a true joy to listen to.

[@KaranLambert]

I have been waiting since 1984 for this!

[@melaniexoxo]

As many of us watching this I watched him when this originally aired and thought he completely made the show worth watching. So so so amazing!

[@ApPersonaNonGrata]

I FOUND IT! OMG thank you! Now I'm happy. :) /hugs

[@feetofmanyskins]

I just don't understand why this guy didn't make it bigger!! he is so great and so cute!

[@theenforcer1968]

I remember it all like it was yesterday...love love love it.

[@twistedherbalchemyskincare7185]

Why didn't I ever realize how much he looks like a young Tony Curtis before?

[@amandasmith9426]

Geeze Sam you were my hero back then and still are! I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!

[@thunderossaInternational]

Now thatsa my bro! My inspiration!! Sam "The Voice" Harris!! I've been hoping to find these past performances! Love you Sam!...always!!

[@theundercoverangel]

Still GIves me Chills!!

[@jofree2975]

I remember this like this was yesterday. Know you where going win 🌴✌🏻

[@EnchantixEnergy]

WOW!

[@VictorUeberbacker]

Ive never heard of him before but he's amazing!!!

[@JDuck66]

Had to walk down memory lane tonight, after the appearance on the Jimmy Fallon Show. You are still amazing Sam...your gift touches my heart!

[@edrhubart8011]

Sam just slays me. He sings and I cry. I'm going to see "Ham, a Musical Memoir" in New York City!

[@NikkiOglesby]

I can't believe this was 30 years ago! ❤

[@GloriaLongMLBIT]

OMG....I was just talking about this on your facebook page...Man on man...sometimes I wish I could snap my fingers and go back to this time.

[@TheSandijane07]

thanks for this. I have really missed him.

[@yayayoga]

Ok, I am old enough to remember all of this and I have to tell ya Sam - major crush on you!!!! I love your voice and you. thanks sweetie. xoxo

[@TomZegan]

The original Star Search blows The Voice, America's Got Talent, Xfactor and American Idol away!

[@Samiyo]

You are so right...."Star Search" has lauched big time Singers, actors and comics.

[@TomZegan]

Take a look at all the people who became famous after being on Star Search: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Search

[@rhaynesthorm2893]

Boy I missed those shoes!!! Love him

[@TheInvincibleViolet]

WOW... that modulation @2:02.. That is EPIC and innovative. GO SAM !!! Fantastic all the way through !!! xxxxxx

[@gtmobayer]

There has never been such a dominant ruler as Sam Harris, in a talent show competition. If there is a better rendition of "Over The Rainbow" besides Mrs. Patti Labelle and Sam Harris' versions, please advise me of who that non-existing singer would be! I remember how my family was glued to the TV, just to wait for his performances. Anybody remember this group out of Pittsburgh, called "The Sponger?" They were also excellent, but lost in their only round-sad. There was also this red-hair teen-age girl who sang "Moon River." Can't remember her name, but she was a star on her own!

[@40sSonggirl1]

I miss these type of talents shows from back then where people just performed...non of the commentary and side shows from the judges. That's just my opinion of course, but the talent was the show case back then. Now the judges are the showcase and the talent is second.

[@Cbo811]

truely classic voice

[@patriciaharris6478]

Yes Caryn, I totally agree. He did rule that show. I would say Sam even boosted their ratings that year. Totally forgot that Sawyer Brown was on the show the same year. Wow.

[@JhonathanFree]

It's been almost 30 years.

[@RiderXXX]

As moving now as his performances were then.

[@dakota23750]

I remember this like it was yeseterday.He was the best singer i'd ever heard & so adorable.27 yrs later does anyone see a similarity in Adam Lambert? As fate would have it Sam Harris won & deserved the Star Search title, however on American Idol i personally think Adam Lambert was robbed. Sam has gone on to have an amazing career, i own his music.Adam Lambert although runner-up has also gone on to have an amazing career of which i own his music. Both have stared on stage! where is Kris today??

[@rachsari1]

@dakota23750 Exactly! When I watched Adam Lambert on AI, it was like re-living Star Search with Sam Harris.

[@victoriaindigo]

My fave is "It's My Turn" at 19:33

[@debbyhanzel6357]

I like sam harris and his song titled dont look in my eyes but I can only find it on my computer where or what store can I purchas this album

[@TheNaturalistaFiles]

Amazing! I must have been about 4 years old then, but I remember my family watching you & rooting for you! My mom had the green eggs album( was it called that)?. We've been looking for that in cd or mp3 form. Is there anywhere I could buy it today?

[@gtmobayer]

Correction-"The Sponges" out of Pittsburgh, PA.

[@carynvanwyk]

And to think star search turned him down 4 times.

[@brendalovesmariah]

How old was he I guess I would have to Google his age

[@brendalovesmariah]

He was 23