Harmonica Almanac – April 14
Donald Black
Scottish harmonica player Donald Black was born on this day in 1946. He began playing the harmonica at the age of four, but didn’t start playing professionally until 1993. He’s recorded several albums of his music since then.
Pete Krampert
Harmonica player and historian Pete Krampert began playing the harmonica at the age of 15 on a dare from an American Folklore teacher. About 16 years later he work began on the book, “The Encyclopedia of the Harmonica”, which is still available on amazon.com. I was born on this day in 1959.
Don Ripps
Vaudeville harmonica player Don Ripps died on this day in 1965. Ripps played in The Harmonica Rascals and also played the bass harmonica in the Cappy Barra Harmonica Ensemble from 1935 until 1941.
Britt Wood Blows
Britt Wood was a vaudeville comedian who used the harmonica as part of his act. Wood died on this day in 1965.
That’s it for today. Have fun and practice!