Simon Harris Obituary – British Musician, DJ, and Record Producer, 1962–2026
LONDON, ENGLAND — The music world mourns the passing of Simon Harris, a pioneering British record producer, DJ, remixer, and electronic musician, who died on February 13, 2026, at the age of 63 in his native London. Harris was renowned for his seminal contributions to the British hip hop and electronic music scenes, most notably his 1988 hit single “Bass (How Low Can You Go?)”, and for founding the influential label Music of Life, which helped shape the trajectory of UK hip hop.
Born September 10, 1962, in London, Harris began his career in music at a young age, working as a mobile DJ in the Chigwell, Essex area in 1977. By 1979, he had expanded his DJ career to Radio Forest Hospital Radio, where he promoted disco events featuring prominent Capital Radio DJs, quickly becoming known for his innovative mixing skills and ability to energize crowds. These early experiences laid the foundation for Harris’s groundbreaking work in music production and remixing.
In 1981, Harris teamed up with DJ Froggy, forming a dynamic mixing duo that led to several notable releases, including the 1986 “You to Me Are Everything (The Decade Remix 76/86)” by The Real Thing, which reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart. Their partnership culminated in the creation of Music of Life, initially distributed by StreetSounds. While Froggy departed the label in 1986, Harris steered Music of Life into British hip hop, producing early tracks from artists including Derek B, the Demon Boyz, Asher D, Daddy Freddy, and Einstein. Harris’s series of breakbeat albums, Beats, Breaks and Scratches, innovatively incorporated sampled scratches and were released internationally, reaching audiences in Germany, the United States, and beyond.
Harris’s talent soon caught the attention of UK label FFRR Records, signed by Pete Tong in 1987. He produced the release Bad on the Mic, and remixed tracks for artists such as Joyce Sims, Steve “Silk” Hurley, D-Mob feat. Gary Haisman, and Sinitta for Simon Cowell’s Fanfare Records. His work was widely covered in music production publications and magazines, including Hip Hop Connection, highlighting his pioneering approach to sampling. Harris’s 1988 album Bass solidified his reputation, featuring numerous radio mixes, including Dave Pearce’s ‘Fresh Start to the Week’, and establishing him as a leading figure in UK dance and hip hop music.
Throughout the 1990s, Harris continued to innovate, producing Ambassadors of Funk, achieving a UK top 10 hit, and transitioning from vinyl to CD-based sampling. He later embraced digital production platforms, releasing music through Mastermix DJ and Plus Soda Music in Greece. In 2016, his classic track “Bass (How Low Can You Go?)” was remixed by German production duo Milk & Sugar, introducing Harris’s sound to a new generation of electronic music fans.
Simon Harris’s remix and production credits span decades and include collaborations with global icons such as Heatwave, Grace Jones, and Prince, notably remixing Prince’s No. 1 hit “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World”. He also produced the first official Elvis Presley remix, “Bossa Nova Baby”, through BMG Rights Management, demonstrating his unmatched versatility and creativity. His recent productions, including the ELROW Music release “This Is Serious” with Morrison remixed by Dennis Ferrer, have featured on BBC Radio 1, confirming his enduring relevance in contemporary electronic and dance music.
Simon Harris is remembered not only for his technical innovation but for his passion, energy, and mentorship within the music community. Colleagues and fans alike celebrated his dedication to pushing musical boundaries, his ability to inspire new generations of DJs and producers, and his contributions to the evolution of British hip hop and electronic music.
Harris’s legacy endures through his groundbreaking productions, the artists he nurtured at Music of Life, and the lasting impact of his innovative sound on global music culture. His artistry, ingenuity, and dedication to music will continue to influence DJs, producers, and fans around the world.
Simon Harris is survived by family, friends, and a vast international community of musicians and fans who will remember him as a trailblazer, visionary, and one of the most influential figures in British music history. His life and work remain a testament to creativity, passion, and the transformative power of music.
