Beech Tree News Network

The harmonica was first invented in China a few thousand years ago, reportedly.  The instrument, called the “Sheng”, had bamboo reeds, and became a prominent instrument in Asian traditional music.  The Sheng was introduced in Europe in the late 18th century and soon became popular in the 19th century.  In the U.S., the harmonica became popular as a Blues instrument.  In the 1930’s and early ‘40’s, a man named John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson became well-known.  After the second World War, Chicago became a major center for Blues, with such players as Rice Miller(Sonny Boy Williamson II) and Little Walter.  Many consider Little Walter, who passed in 1968, to be the greatest Blues harmonica player.  

While the harmonica has been known mostly as a blues instrument, many people were introduced to the harmonica in the 1960’s through the folk music of Bob Dylan. In recent years, great players such as Kim Wilson and Rod Piazza have continued the blues harmonica tradition, drawing on its history while moving it forward. Also, players like Jason Ricci and John Popper have developed new and exciting harmonica styles.

Throughout its history, most of the great harmonica players have come from the United States. However, the Internet is helping to introduce the harmonica to the world. The next generation of great players could come from anywhere.

Some 30 years later, around August 1, 1964, Billboard announced the harmonica was coming back in a big way thanks to Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Bob Dylan.  Here are just some of the times the harmonica has been popularized in rock music: Billy Joel: who played himself on “Angry Young Man”, “Piano Man” and “Ballad Of Billy The Kid”.  Billy also brought in Toots Thielemans for “Leave A Tender Moment Alone” and Don Brooks for “Code of Silence” and “That’s Not Her Style”.  Black Sabbath, yes, the metal group, used it on “The Wizard. John Popper, lead singer of Blues Traveler had big harm solos on their hits “Hook” and “Run Around”.  Side note, Popper played harmonica on Dave Matthews Band’s “What Would You Say”.  

Bruce Springsteen(“Thunder Road” and several others), CCR(“Run Through The Jungle”), SuperTramp(“Take The Long Way Home”) are just a few heavy-hitters who have played the harmonica or had players on classic songs.  Huey Lewis’ 1981 hit “Workin’ For a Livin’ and Garth Brooks’ “Wrapped Up In You” from his 2001 album Scarecrow are a couple of my non-Stevie harmonica favorites.  

The harmonica has come a long way since China.