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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZHARPO, Slim(b James Moore, 11 Jan. '24, Lobdell LA; d 31 Jan. '70, Baton Rouge LA) Harmonica, also guitar; blues singer; aka Harmonica Slim in early years. Self-taught; like others in genre worked in and out of music; in juke joints, at parties etc. Excello label had been formed '53 as subsidiary of gospel label Nashboro; the first Nashville blues label didn't have many big hits, but recorded 'Baby Let's Play House' by Arthur Gunter (b 23 May '26, Nashville; d 16 March '76), soon covered by Elvis Presley; 'Lil' Darlin'' by the Gladiolas was usurped by the Diamonds; Excello recorded important artists in 'swamp blues', who played a traditional rural style with urban power and wrote many songs: Lonesome Sundown (singer, guitarist, pianist; b Cornelius Green, 12 Dec. '28, LA), Lightnin' Slim and Harpo, who recorded mid-'50s with singer/guitarist Lightnin' Slim (his brother-in-law, b Otis Hicks, 13 March '13, St Louis MO; d 27 July '74). Lightnin' had R&B hit 'Rooster Blues' '59 on Excello; Harpo's best-known was 'I'm A King Bee' '57, also 'Rainin' In My Heart' '61; no. 1 on R&B chart with 'Baby Scratch My Back' '66. Harpo's wife Lovell often co-wrote songs. Compilation I'm A King Bee on Ace CD. |