Harmonica Almanac – May 13
Magic Dick
Blues / Rock harmonica player Magic Dick was born on this day in 1948. Magic Dick played with the group, The J. Geils Band and his signature instrumental, “Whammer Jammer”, is a definite harmonica classic.
Stevie Wonder
Musical genius Stevie Wonder plays almost any instrument he can get his hands on, but got his big break on the harmonica. He’s got one of the most distinctive styles in music. Wonder was born on this day in 1950.
Gary Cooper
Actor Gary Cooper died on this day in 1961. While I’m not certain whether he actually played the harmonica, his character in the movie “Meet John Doe” did and did a really cool version of the William Tell Overture in one scene.
Shmuel Gogol
Polish Harmonica player Shmuel Gogol died on this day in 1993. Shmuel was sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp, but managed to survive because his harmonica playing got him into the camp’s band. After the war he settle in Israel and worked with harmonica bands. He also returned to Auschwitz shortly before his death to play once more as a memorial to the millions who had been killed.
That’s it for today. Have fun and practice!