The History of the Blues Harmonica
The beloved harmonica has such a history with blues music. Originally this instrument was only associated with the poor and was simply considered a toy instrument. But if you know anything about the harmonica and blues music you know that it has become a huge player over the years in this genre. The first recordings of the harmonica were actually in the 1920s and were intended for the black markets of the South. And as it became more and more popular musicians began to experiment with different techniques such as tongue-blocking, hand effects, and the most important innovation of all, the 2nd position or cross-harp.
During the 1950s, the harmonica sound began to make its way North to Chicago with the blues and black migrants. As the blues sound became more amplified, so did the harmonica. One of the greatest harmonica players of the time was Sonny Boy Williamson II. He helped make popular the cross-harp technique, opening the possibilities of the harmonica technique up to greater and greater heights. Many other artists during this time began to experiment with techniques and the harmonica sound took off.
During the 60s and 70s the harmonica sound began to wane, due to the popularity of the electric lead guitar. However, during this era many artists who had been influenced by Sonny Boy Williamson II began to emerge. Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood , and Bob Dylan also famously played their harmonica to add a touch of blues to their folk and rock sound during this era. Dylan was known for placing his harmonicas in a brace so that he could simultaneously blow the harp and play his guitar.
The harmonica sound lives on today in current music. Blues Traveler, Tom Morello from Rage Against The Machine, and Blackfoot are just a few examples of the modernization of the harmonica.
Filed under: Blues Music
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Leave a Reply