Maurice (Redd) Harper; Musician, Billy Graham Performer

Maurice (Redd) Harper, 88, who played brass with the old Jimmy Greer Band when Rudy Vallee was lead singer and then was host of a country-Western radio show in the immediate post-World War II years. His career changed direction after Roy Rogers and Dale Evans interested him in a religious life and he went to work for Billy Graham, playing the lead in Graham’s first feature film, “Mr. Texas.” He also was featured in Graham’s “Oil Town U.S.A.” He traveled with Graham’s evangelical company and presented inspirational and entertainment programs at churches across the country. He also wrote a book, “I Walk the Glory Road,” and songs, including “I’m Following Jesus Each Step of the Way.” On Sunday in a Hollywood nursing home.