American comedian and harpist Adolph Arthur Marx, known as Harpo Marx, was born on November 23, 1888, in Manhattan, New York. He began performing with his brothers in the vaudeville troupe that would become the Marx Brothers, adopting the silent, pantomime style that defined his stage persona. Harpo’s musical career gained prominence with his first recorded album, Harp by Harpo (1952), followed by Harpo (1957) and Harpo at Work! (1958) on Mercury Records. He also recorded harp accompaniment for Mahalia Jackson in 1964. Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, Harpo appeared on television shows such as I Love Lucy and The Today Show, promoting his autobiography Harpo Speaks! (1961). He continued to perform until his death on September 28, 1964, after a heart operation, leaving a legacy of silent comedy and distinctive harp performances that remain part of American cultural history.
