Walter Horton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Big Walter Horton
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Walter Horton |
| Also known as | Shakey Horton, Mumbles Horton |
| Born | April 6, 1921 Horn Lake, Mississippi, United States |
| Origin | Memphis, Tennessee |
| Died | December 8, 1981 (aged 60) Chicago, Illinois, United States, buried: Restvale Cemetery |
| Genres | Blues |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Harmonica |
| Years active | Late 1920s–1981 |
| Labels | Okeh, Vocalion, States, Ace, Alligator, Blind Pig, others |
Walter Horton (born April 6, 1917 – died December 8, 1981) was an American blues harp player. He was also known as Big Walter Horton or "Shakey" Horton. He was a very talented musician who played the harmonica, often called a "blues harp."
Contents
The Journey of Big Walter Horton
Walter Horton was born in Horn Lake, Mississippi. He started playing the harmonica when he was only five years old. As a teenager, he moved to Memphis. Life was tough for him there, and he faced many challenges.
Early Music Career
In the 1930s, Walter played music with many other musicians. He traveled across the Mississippi Delta region. He made his first recording in Memphis with a guitarist named Little Buddy Doyle.
During the 1940s, Walter had some health problems. Because of this, he worked outside the music world for a while.
Recording and Fame
In the early 1950s, Walter Horton was one of the first musicians to record for Sam Phillips. This was at Sun Records in Memphis. Sam Phillips later became famous for recording Elvis Presley!
Around this time, Walter also became part of the Chicago blues music scene. He recorded with other great musicians like Eddie Taylor and Johnny Shines. He even recorded one session with the famous Muddy Waters Band.
Playing with Others
In the 1960s, Walter often recorded as a "sideman." This means he played his harmonica on other musicians' songs. He was a humble and shy person. He felt more comfortable playing with others than being the main leader. This is why he didn't make his own first recording until 1964.
In the 1970s, he played a lot at blues and folk music festivals. These festivals took place in the U.S. and Europe. He often performed with Willie Dixon's Chicago Blues All-Stars. In 1977, he joined Johnny Winter and Muddy Waters on Winter's album called I'm Ready. He also recorded for Blind Pig Records.
"Shakey" Horton
Walter got his nickname "Shakey" because his head would move a lot while he played the harmonica. It was part of his unique style!
Later Years
Walter Horton even appeared in a movie! He was in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers, playing in the Maxwell Street scene. His very last recordings were made in 1980.
Big Walter Horton passed away in Chicago in 1981. He was 64 years old. He left behind a great legacy of blues harmonica music.
His Music and Recordings
Big Walter Horton released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of his own works:
- 1964 The Soul of Blues Harmonica
- 1969 Southern Comfort
- 1973 Big Walter Horton with Carey Bell
- 1979 Fine Cuts
- 1996 They Call Me Big Walter
He also played on many albums for other artists, helping them create their famous blues sounds.
