Country harmonica player Onie Wheeler was born on this day in 1921. Wheeler got his start after winning a talent contest while serving during World War Two. During the 1950’s he worked with Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and others in addition to recording his own material.
Blues harmonica player George “Mojo” Buford learned how to play the harmonica from his father. He settled in Chicago in 1953 and even spent a few years playing in the Muddy Waters Band. Buford was born on this day in 1929.
https://youtu.be/waGAYbhS2-E
Blues singer and harmonica player Bobby Rush was born on this day in 1931. Booby has been one of the hardest working men in the Blues for about 60 years. He cut his first record in 1971 and has working almost non-stop his entire career.
Country music pioneer Henry Whitter sang and played the harmonica. He made several records in the 1920’s in New York City, including the first version of the song “Tom Dooley”. Whitter died on this day in 1941.
Classical composer Francis Chagrin died on this day in 1972. Chagrin wrote Roumanian Fantasy for Harmonica and Orchestra” in 1956 for Larry Adler.
Pop and Classical soloist Larry Logan started playing the harmonica in the 1930’s after seeing Larry Adler perform. During the 1930’s he played in a harmonica band with his brother and from the 1950’s on, he performed with orchestras and piano accompanists. Larry died on this day in 2004.
That’s it for today. Have fun and practice!
