By "Radical" Russ Belville on January 19, 2009
For today’s Blues Monday musical break, I bring you the legendary harmonica man, Billy Boy Arnold.
Billy Boy was a key player in the development of both Chicago blues and early rock ‘n’ roll. He got his first harmonica lessons from John Lee Williamson, the original Sonny Boy. Billy was an important member of the early Bo Diddley band and, later on, a star in his own right with his widely influential recordings for the Vee Jay label, made between 1955 and 1957.
On this album, Back Where I Belong from 1993, Billy Boy picks up the harp again to deliver his style of licks with signature “wah wah” vibrato. The song is called “Whiskey, Beer & Reefer”, a tribute to the working blues musician’s favorite ways to relax:
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Posted in DAILY TOKER TUNES | Tagged Billy Boy, Billy Boy Arnold, blues, Bo Diddley, Chicago, chicago blues, harmonica man, John Lee Williamson
I am the host of the NORML SHOW LIVE and The NORML Stash Blog. I'm married, live in Portland, Oregon, and I am a registered medical marijuana caregiver in this state. I've worked days as an IT geek and nights as a professional musician. Previously, I have been the host of my own political talk radio show on satellite radio. I've been the High Times "Freedom Fighter of the Month" for my work producing Oregon NORML's TV show, "A Cannabis Community Forum", and for helping to institute Portland's wildly successful medical marijuana cardholders meetings, where we help sick and disabled Oregonians acquire cannabis plant starts, learn gardening, and understand the medical marijuana law. I've dedicated my life to bringing an end to adult marijuana prohibition and re-legalizing cannabis hemp, and I'm honored to be chosen by NORML to be our daily voice.
