Little Walter

Marion « Little Walter » Jacobs is widely considered the greatest blues harmonica player ever. A Creole who could speak French (oui messieurs dames), he was born in Marksville, Louisiana in 1930. He took up the harmonica as a child, at first playing polkas and waltzes, and by the time he was 12 he was on his own, working the sidewalks and bars of New Orleans with his instrument. He had also discovered the music of John Lee Williamson, and modeled his early blues style on that of Williamson’s. From 1952 to 1968 Walter recorded about 100 titles for Chess, of which about half were issued on record as of the early 1970's. Previously unreleased material is making its way to newly released CD's. Grab 'em. Walter also recorded frequently as a sideman for Chess/Checker in the years 1952-1968 in addition to extensive touring, including a tour of England in 1964 with the Rolling Stones. He was incredibly powerful, endlessly inventive, and rocked like hell. He was killed in a street fight in 1968.

Little Walter - My Babe

Little Walter - It's Too Late Brother