Daily Almanac - May 1

[<pkrampert@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Blues harmonica giant Little Walter Jacobs was born on this day in 1930.
Jacobs is probably the most influential of the Chicago Blues harmonica
players, being cited more than any other as the main inspiration for
players' style.  His work as a solo artists and with Muddy waters during the
1950's and 60's stands as a hallmark in Blues harmonica history.

Blues and Celtic guitar and harmonica player and teacher Glenn Weiser was
born on this day in 1952.  Glenn's written a number of outstanding books on
harmonica as well as playing with the likes of Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor and
other Blues greats.

Blues harmonica writer and player Steve Baker was born on this day in 1953.
Steve's a major player in the German Blues scene and has written several
instructional pieces on the harmonica.
For more about the life, career and recordings of Steve Baker, please visit:
http://www.eharmonica.net/steve_baker.htm

Classical composer Aram Khachaturian died on this day in 1978.  Khachaturian
wrote "Armenian Rhapsody For Mouth Organ And Orchestra" in the 1970's for
Larry Adler.

Again, the world of harmonica is truly saddened by the loss of Tony
Sheppard.  As a piano player, Tony played with many of the greats, from Anne
Murray to Frank Sinatra.  He took up the harmonica later when hhe started
having problems with his hands.  I shared a room with him during the
Minneapolis Harmonica Summit in 2000 and found that he was a good guy with
an abundance of knowledge, talent and humor.  He will be very sorely missed.

That's all I have for today.  Have fun and practice.

Peter Krampert, author
The Encyclopedia of the Harmonica
http://www.eharmonica.net