Big Walter Horton
American blues harmonica player (1921–1981) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Walter Horton (April 6, 1921[2] – December 8, 1981), known as Big Walter (Horton) or Walter "Shakey" Horton, was an American blues harmonica player. A quiet, unassuming, shy man, he is remembered as one of the premier harmonica players in the history of blues.[3] Willie Dixon once called Horton 'the best harmonica player I ever heard'.[3]
Big Walter Horton | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Walter Horton |
Also known as |
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Born | (1921-04-06)April 6, 1921 Horn Lake, Mississippi, U.S. |
Origin | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
Died | December 8, 1981(1981-12-08) (aged 60) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.[1] |
Genres |
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Occupation(s) |
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Instrument(s) | Harmonica |
Years active | Late 1930s–1980 |
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Robert Palmer named him as 'one of the three great harmonica soloists of modern blues with the two others being cited as Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson II.[4] Also known as 'Mumbles',[3][5] 'Shakey', along with 'Tangle Eye' and 'Shakey Head'[6] (because of his head motion whilst playing the harmonica, along with his suffering from nystagmus).[6][7] Horton was known for his unique tongue-blocking techniques and tone.[5][7]