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the news about the harmonica as to record music into the late 1960s hoping to stay current by recording
a unique instrument with plenty popular songs such as “Get Off of My Cloud” by the Rolling Stones
of soul. and “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan, and continued performing
In the Big Band era, the into the 1990s.
Harmonicats entered the fray in Another innovative player that took the harmonica to a new level
1947 as the only harmonica-led was Howard Levy. In the 1970s, he discovered the “overblow” and
group ever known. That year they “overdraw” technique that allowed him to hit all the notes of the scale
had a huge number one hit, “Peg in any key using the diatonic harmonica vs. a chromatic one. Like so
O’ My Heart.” The group stayed many innovators of the instrument, he was young (only 19) and curious
popular right through the 1950s about this instrument.
and had a Top 20 album in 1961. Today, harmonicas are played by rock stars, country music performers,
They tended to play popular blues maestros, folk music geniuses, and everyone from Neil Young, Stevie
standards and leaned toward Wonder, and The Brothers Gage to the kid next door. That is what made
sentimental songs. They continued them become a part of the fabric of the U.S. and its diversity.

On December 16, 1965,
HARMONIC TRIVIA the Hohner Harmonica became the first
musical instrument in outer space. Here
is the responding advertisement:
– Early Sears-Roebuck catalogs listed harmonicas for 27 cents, but their most popular Hohner cost 58 cents.

– In 2018, Bob Dylan’s Hohner Marine Band harmonica and Dylan’s metal neckstand sold for $13,750
at auction. The lot included a copy of a handwritten note from Dylan reading “These are for you. They’re a
bit worn, but still good! Bob.”

– Blues great Paul Butterfield was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. Among the
artifacts at the Hall is a copy of his tutorial/instruction book Sessions with a Legendary
Player (1997). Before his death in 1987 at the age of 45, Butterfield was at the Rock
and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony inducting his old mentor Muddy Waters. Other
players in the Hall include Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, members of Aerosmith, and
many more.

– Jesse James’ brother Frank enjoyed playing harmonica music, and according to
legend, the one he carried in his pocket once deflected a bullet.

– An exploration party in the Amazon rainforest during the 1800s was boldly
approached by a group of spear-waving natives. Thinking quickly, one of the team
members began playing music on his take-along harmonica. Instead of attacking the
party, they were invited back to the Indian camp so they could hear more music.

– Abraham Lincoln enjoyed carrying a harmonica in his pocket. In 1888, a group of
At the 1860 presidential debates, Stephen Douglas arrived to the brass harmonicas
music from his own brass band. Lincoln had his trusty harmonica, were discovered to have
saying, “Mr. Douglas needs caused a form of blood
Harmonica as a Choking Hazard a brass band, but the har- poisoning due to the
A group of thugs robbed a man as he was monica will do for me.” cankered, or affected,
walking home and used his harmonica as a area of the brass
gag to prevent him from speaking. – In 2009, the Guinness causing leisions in the
Here is his tale:
World Record for the mouth and through
largest harmonica orchestra which the blood
was set in Hong Kong, with was poisoned.
6131 players performing.
A Man’s Best Friends. On May 9,
Richard E. Byrd (1888-1957) flew over
the North Pole. With him was Dick
Konter, the harmonica player in the
photo. Hohner takes the opportunity to
document the event
with an advertisement
(shown). Roald
Amundsen (1872-
1928) reached the
South Pole on Dec. 14,
1911. Even though
there was no harmonica
During the 1900s harmonica clubs on that expedition,
were thriving in Europe and America. Hohner produced a
This postcard is from the Harland Roald Amundsen
Crain collection harmonica.

To see and hear a masterful performance by Wu
Tong on the sheng, click here: Clifford Ross’
Harmonium Mountain II performed live by Wu Tong.
And you can turn to your favorite music connection to hear examples from the 1920s to today in a wide
variety of genres for this amazing instrument. For more information on the harmonica past and present
(and more great pictures), visit one of the great resources used for this article, SPAH. Enjoy!

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