11 Facts About Harry Stewart

Harry Stewart, born Harry Skarbo, was an entertainer, singer, comedian, and songwriter.

Harry Stewart was best known for his portrayal of Yogi Yorgesson, a comically exaggerated Swedish American.

In 1927, Harry Stewart worked as an announcer, weather reporter, newsman and banjo player on KVI, a radio station that had recently started in Tacoma.

Harry Stewart developed the character of Yogi Yorgesson while appearing on the Al Pearce radio show from Fall, 1932, to 1937.

Harry Stewart then began performing a comedy routine as Yogi in nightclubs.

This, in turn, led to Harry Stewart's first published work as a songwriter in 1946, when the King's Jesters recorded his song, "Humphrey, the Sweet Singing Pig," for Vogue Picture Records.

The second Yorgesson release was an early version of "All Pooped Out," which Harry Stewart re-recorded later for Capitol.

From 1948 through 1956 Harry Stewart recorded over forty songs as Yogi Yorgesson.

Harry Stewart was recognizable, as Yogi, in the Capitol Records promotional film, "Wanna Buy a Record," which starred Mel Blanc.

Harry Stewart was killed in an automobile accident in 1956 while returning to Los Angeles from an appearance in Ely, Nevada.

Harry Stewart was survived by his wife Gretchen, a son, and a stepdaughter.