Rufus Harley Jr., born May 20, 1936, in Raleigh, North Carolina, was an American jazz musician who used the Great Highland bagpipe as his primary instrument. Harley moved to Philadelphia and began playing saxophone at age 12. Inspired by the Black Watch's performance at John F. Kennedy's funeral, he bought his first Great Highland bagpipe for $120 and adapted it to the sounds of jazz, blues, and funk. Harley made his debut with the bagpipes in 1964 and released four albums on Atlantic Records from 1965 to 1970, including Bagpipe Blues and Scotch & Soul. He collaborated with notable jazz musicians such as Herbie Mann, Sonny Stitt, and Sonny Rollins. Harley also appeared on Laurie Anderson's Big Science (1982) and The Roots' Do You Want More?!!!??! (1995). Known for his unique style, which included wearing Scottish garb and a Viking-style horned helmet, he performed extensively overseas. He passed away on August 1, 2006.
