[Harp-L] Respect

[captron100@xxxxxxx]

Someone wrote re Little Walter:

I never met Little Walter. His playing was what got my ear at the tender age of 16.

>From what others have shared, I picture him as punching out someone if they 
irritated him too much.  Of course, he met a tragic end, somehow, I appreciate the honesty.
?


In all the years I've been on Harp-L, one of the two biggest firestorm "discussions" was created 
when one of Little Walter's former managers posted an off-the-cuff remark that denigrated Walter's
character. He said something to the effect that from his own personal experience, in not so many
words, Walter was immoral, ornery and mean, and would take advantage (if not rob u outright, if i 
mbr correctly) you if he could. Myself, i found it an interesting glimpse into the personality of
one of the greatest harmonica stylists. But the multitude of angry Harp-L posters who responded in 
defense of Little Walter showed how highly revered he is.  In general, they thought it was highly
unnecessary to bring to light the character defects of their icon.
 Of course, the other big firestorm was the great "comb materials debate".  Both were so long ago 
that i wonder if they are available in the archives.
ron