Blues singer and harmonica player Big Leon Brooks was born on this day in 1933. He grew up in Mississippi and moved to Chicago, where he became a part of the city’s Blues scene. During his short life, Brooks managed to record one album of his music.
https://youtu.be/gfGy-Kg1_-s
Blues singer, piano and harmonica player Little Johnny Jones learned how to play the harmonica while growing up in Mississippi. He moved to Chicago in 1945 and soon after that he began working with Tampa Red. Jones died on this day in 1964.
Harmonica soloist Alan “Blackie” Schackner died on this day in 2013. Schackner learned much of his technique from his boyhood friend, Victor Pankowitz. In the early 1930’s he played with the group, The Harmonica Scamps. He was even featured in Ripley’s “Believe it or Not” for being able to play the “Hora Staccatto” in under 90 seconds.
That’s it for today. Have fun and practice!