[Harp-L] Sonny Terry playing Golden Melodys

["Mark Lavoie" <lavoie@xxxxxxxxx>]

The first time I saw Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee perform live was in Plattsburgh, New York in November of 1974. It was in a high school gym, and I was able to get seating in the center of the 5th row. I had been playing harmonica since the fall of 71, and was excited as a person could be, to see live! Sonny and Brownie. The first song was amazing, and I immediately noticed the Red harmonca that Sonny was playing. I got to go back stage at half time, and Sonny showed me his harmonica, and said it's a Golden Melody. I had a Golden Melody in my possesion two weeks later. It was a special order item. I sold my collection of Marine Band Harmonicas for $2:00 each. (what a fool) and played Golden Melodys for the next ten years. The guy who I sold my collection to, still has those Marine Bands.   

Any how the  time I spent with Sonny Terry is imbeded in my mind, and I feel Sonnys presence, when I am performing.

John Hiatt has a new Song about his life on the Road, and there is a verse about Sonny Terry. I met him in the hall near the elevator, and said "that song brought back memories, and that I drove for Sonny Terry". John Hiatt said "do you play harmonica? Sonny always seemed to have harmonica players driveing for him"

I got Ramblin on my mind.

Stay tuned everybody!
Mark

Mark Lavoie
4849 Bristol Rd
Bristol, VT  05443

802-236-5665
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