It's impossible to imagine the blues without the Mississippi sax -- otherwise known as the blues harp. The harmonica has a voice that cuts through - when the guitar player will turn down, of course. The move into blues for the harp happened over a period of time and there are various theories and "firsts" to contend with. The instrument's ability to sound like a train gave it a place in early pieces such as Railroad Blues by Freeman Stowers. The blues harp reached an early peak with Little Walter.
Hound Dog Taylor & Little Walter. This is perhaps the only footage ever shot of harmonica genius Little Walter (1930-1968).
American Folk Blues festival - Down Home Shakedown. Big Mama Thornton, John Lee Hooker, J.B. Lenoir, Big Walter, Shakey Horton.
Your Funeral My Trial - Sonny Boy Williamson (1899-1965)
Howlin Wolf - How Many More Years. 1966.
Blow Wind Blow - Muddy Waters (1913-1983) and Jerry Portnoy (1943- ) on harp, 1977.
Rockin' Pneumonia - Taylor Hicks (1976- ) & The Little Memphis Blues Orchestra at Antones in 2006.
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