Harmonica Almanac – February 18

Outlaw Frank James died on this day in 1915. He might have died sooner, but as legend has it, the harmonica that he kept in his shirt pocket stopped a bullet.
Canadian harmonica soloist Bernie Bray was playing professionally in harmonica bands by the time he was a teenager. After serving as a harmonica soloist with the Royal Canadian Air Force Band, he spent the rest of his life performing and customizing harmonicas. Bray died on this day in 1981.
Folk banjo and harmonica player Derroll Adams died on this day in 2000. During his career Adams worked with Woodie Guthrie, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and Donovan. Though his career was severely limited by his alcohol use, he remained active until he died.
That’s it for today. Have fun and practice!