Based on DownBeat, “Little Walter almost single-handedly fashioned the stylistic approach for harmonica which has since become standard for the genre and has been emulated by virtually every blues harmonica player.” Certainly, it’s been stated that Little Walter was to harmonica blues what Charlie Parker was to jazz saxophone and Jimi Hendrix was to rock guitar and it’s unimaginable to argue. But, outdoors these of us who love the blues, he’s not practically as nicely often called he must be.
Born Marion Walter Jacobs on Could 1, 1930, in rural Louisiana, he moved to Chicago on the age of 16 and commenced taking part in the golf equipment with Tampa Pink and Large Invoice Broonzy.
Walter recorded first in 1947; the next yr he toured and recorded with Muddy Waters band in addition to taking part in on the information of different Chicago musicians. The ability of his harmonica added nice depth to many a blues report and shortly he was provided the prospect to report below his personal title. In 1952 he minimize “Juke,” as Little Walter & his Evening Cats for the Checker label and it made No.1 on the R&B charts in September of the identical yr; in so doing it turned the primary of 15 of his information to chart.
In 1955 “My Babe” additionally topped the R&B charts with “Sad Hours,” “Blues With A Feeling,” and “You’re So Fine” all reaching No.2. These information together with “Key To The Highway” signify the cream of Little Walter’s output that has influenced blues musicians for the final half-century.
Little Walter continued to report with Muddy Waters – the 2 males dominated the Chicago blues scene within the Nineteen Fifties. Walter toured Europe in 1962, showing on the American People Blues Pageant, however after returning to the USA his profession hit the buffers; though he did tour Europe once more in 1967. He was a heavy drinker and appreciated to combat and, after a vicious brawl on February 15, 1968, he died of coronary thrombosis. Little Walter was 37 years previous.
What stays, nonetheless, is a few indelible music. Music that also resonates. As John Lee Hooker stated, “He’s got a lot a soul!”
Observe the Chess Data Important playlist to listen to Little Walter and different blues icons.
