Harmonica Almanac – April 19
“Whispering” Moses Smith
Blues singer and harmonica player “Whispering” Moses Smith died on this day in 1984. Smith started playing the harmonica when he was fourteen and was playing with Lightnin’ Hopkins by the late 1950’s. He also recorded several albums of his own.
Big Willie Mabon
Best known as a Blues piano player Big Willie Mabon could also play the harmonica. He moved to Chicago in the 1940’s and for the rest of his life he stayed active recording and performing. Mabon died on this day in 1985.
Levon Helm
Lead singer and drummer, Levon Helm died on this day in 2012. Helm also played the mandolin and harmonica with the group, The Band as well has having a solo career where he worked with harmonica player Paul Butterfield and others.
That’s it for today. Have fun and practice!