See all formats and editions Hide other formats and editions. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Why not try the ukulele! "Juke 1.0": This is the opening 12-bars of Little Walter's classic instrumental, slightly simplified with the help of lip pursing and single notes rather than tongue-blocked octaves. Little Walter was one of the major figures in postwar Chicago blues. Influenced by guitarists as well as by senior harmonica players, he brought a singular variety of phrasing to the blues harmonica. Perfect for ADVANCED BEGINNERS and INTERMEDIATE players who want to tangle with the real stuff but aren't yet comfortable with tongue-blocking. Raised on a Louisiana farm, Little Walter began playing harmonica in childhood, and by the time he was 12 he was playing for a living on New Orleans street corners and in clubs. The first musician to purposely use electronic distortion, he played with classic artists including Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, Shel Silverstein, and Jimmy Rogers. When listening to Little Walter’s recordings on Chess Records (@Mitch: thanks for the recommendation) I get the impression that most of the times he is playing a chromatic harp. $12.17: $8.93: Paperback Save 50% off a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Read More, Ukulele Lessons Fancy learning a new instrument? Little Walter could make his harp sound like a … Little Walter was one of the major figures in postwar Chicago blues. He is the king! Little Walter, byname of Marion Walter Jacobs, (born May 1, 1930, Marksville, Louisiana, U.S.—died February 15, 1968, Chicago, Illinois), American blues singer and harmonica virtuoso who was one of the most influential harmonica improvisers of the late 20th century. Hawaiian Harmonica Retreat With JP Allen A musical harmonica vacation… a time for resting, relaxing - and playing a whole lot of harmonica! He was the first musician of any kind to purposely use electronic distortion (later Jimi Hendrix would use distortion to change rock'n'roll forever). Sadly, very few videos of Little Walter exist for us to enjoy. Price New from Used from Paperback "Please retry" $14.99 . In the 1960s alcoholism curtailed his career, and he died following a street fight. In addition to harmonica he teaches piano, guitar, and drums. His solos were cunningly crafted, alternating riffs and flowing lines. Harptabs.com is a continuing to grow community of harmonica players. ... Like most blues harp players he only brings out the Chromatic Harmonica for use in minor blues tunes using the dorian mode trick I teach in step 29. To check out my ukulele video lessons Click Here Read More, About JP Allen JP Allen has been teaching music for over eighteen years. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Little-Walter, All About Jazz - Biography of Little Walter, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Biography of Little Walter, Little Walter - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Omissions? After Little Walter’s 1952 harmonica solo “Juke” became a popular song, he successfully led his own bands in Chicago and on tours. In his teens he gradually worked northward, settling in Chicago about 1946; there he began recording in 1947 and played in Muddy Waters’s blues band (1948–52). You can also access our site through your mobile phone https://harptabs.mobi. This man shouldn’t be on this list. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Though his vocal range was small, his singing often emulated Waters’s style. Little Walter is considered by many the king of blues harmonica and was probably the first to amplify the instrument. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. What he meant by that was that there are an overwhelmingly large amount of harmonica players whose main goal in life is to sound like Little Walter. Little Walter (born Marion Walter Jacobs in Louisiana, May 1, 1930 – February 15, 1968) was a blues pioneer who pushed the limits and established a new standard for blues harp players. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... From his home country to his internationally-renowned symphonies, discover more about the life and work of Ludwig van Beethoven. Black Friday Sale! We have over 25441 free tabs to choose from. Influenced by guitarists as well as by senior harmonica players, he brought a singular variety of phrasing to the blues harmonica. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Little Walter (born Marion Walter Jacobs in Louisiana, May 1, 1930 – February 15, 1968) was a blues pioneer who pushed the limits and established a new standard for blues harp players. Updates? His solos were cunningly crafted, alternating riffs and flowing lines. Little Walter: Harmonica Play-Along Volume 13 Paperback – December 1, 2010 by Little Walter (Author) 4.4 out of 5 stars 33 ratings. He get’s his own category! He was a pioneer of playing a harmonica directly into a handheld microphone and developed expressive techniques to enhance his playing. Premium Membership is now 50% off! Corrections? The king of the blues harmonica, he is famous for three basic reasons… (article continues after the videos, below)