Harmonica Almanac – September 3

Blues harmonica pioneer Noah Lewis was born on this day in 1895. Lewis taught himself to play as a child growing up in Tennessee. He was played with Cannon’s Jug Stompers and could play two harmonicas at once, one with his mouth and one with his nose.

Blues singer and harmonica player Billy Bizor was born on this day in 1913. Bizor was a cousin of Blues legend Lightnin’ Hopkins and even played the harmonica on some of Hopkins’ records.

Country harmonica player Jimmie Riddle began playing at the age of four and was one of the few harmonica players who preferred the Chromatic harmonica for playing country music. Riddle was born on this day in 1918.

Country music star Hank Thompson was born on this day in 1925. Thompson learned how to play the harmonica as a child growing up in Texas. He won several talent contests playing the harmonica before picking up the guitar.

Blues singer, guitar and harmonica Al “Blind Owl” Wilson got into the Blues as a historian and record collector. He played on recordings by Son House and John Lee Hooker before helping to found the band Canned Heat. Wilson died on this day in 1970.
https://youtu.be/oXo6G5mfmro
Vaudeville harmonica player Lou Delin died on this day in 1999. Delin learned to play the harmonica in the Hebrew Orphan Asylum Harmonica Band and played in Vaudeville with several bands. In later years Lou was an active part of starting and supporting several harmonica clubs.
That’s it for today. Have fun and practice!