Harmonica Almanac – September 15

Legendary Blues harmonica Rhythm Willie Hood was born on this day in 1910. There is very little known about his life and there are only a small handful of recordings of his playing, but he is said to be have been one of the greatest masters of urban Blues harmonica during the 30’s and 40’s.

Blues guitar and harmonica player Silas Hogan learned how to play the harmonica from his uncles and worked steadily beginning in the 1930. He began recording in the 1950’s and remained active until his death in 1994. Hogan was born on this day in 1911.

Blues harmonica player Snooky Pryor was born on this day in 1921. Pryor began playing harmonica when he was fourteen and moved to Chicago in 1940. He is considered by many historians to be one of the very first to amplify the harmonica.

Harmonica soloist Leo Diamond began his career working with the harmonica bands The Harmonica Rascals and The Harmonica Solidaires. He moved to California and spent most of the rest of his life working as a studio harmonica player, doing dozens of soundtracks and backing many pop artists. Diamond died on this day in 1966.
https://youtu.be/N0hUjyLXkSI
Blues guitar and harmonica player Elmon Mickle died on this day in 1977. He learned how to play the harmonica from Sonny Boy Williamson and later played with Sonny Boy Williams II. Mickle also worked under several nicknames, including Model T Slim, Harmonica Harry and Driftin’ Slim.

That’s it for today. Have fun and practice!