Country Harmonica Songs??

[Stringbanger]

Earlier this week, I heard Don Williams’ cover of Townes Van Zandt’s “I’ll Be Here In The Morning”, and it just knocked me out!! I never heard it before in my life!

Don’s voice and all the instruments just coalesced perfectly! Everyone sounds so tight, but what really stood out, to me, was Mickey Raphael’s harmonica parts! So tastefully done!


Then I got to thinking about other country tunes that have harmonica, but I came up empty-handed. An internet search didn’t yield much, so I thought I’d check in with the TDPRI folks.

Post some country songs or videos, old or new, that feature a harmonica part. Bonus points if you know the harp player’s name.

Edit: Please omit Bob Dylan and Neil Young. I got them covered.

 

[Stringbanger]

Found this Ryan Bingham tune.

 

[daddyplaysbass]

You may check out Charlie McCoy, ace Nashville recording harp player. On his site you can check out his credits - he's played with everyone

 

[Stringbanger]

You may check out Charlie McCoy, ace Nashville recording harp player. On his site you can check out his credits - he's played with everyone

Yes, I have heard of Charlie. Do you have an example?

 

[daddyplaysbass]

Yes, I have heard of Charlie. Do you have an example?

Here is backing some others - a snippett of his style. He's on lots f sessions but has made many albums bu himself.

Charlie McCoy - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[SPUDCASTER]

Charlie was a Nashville A team player. He and Terry McMillan were on just about everything from Nashville in the 60's, 70's and 80's.

Charlie plays a lot of other instruments too besides harp.

Check out "Larry's Country Diner" for a version of "Cold, Cold Heart". Charlie plays vibes.

I'm sure there's some You Tube stuff with Charlie. Probably covering classics.

 

[Telecaster88]

All of Waylon's outlaw records are full of great harmonica. My personal favorite -- the harmonica really adds to the churning, propulsive feel:



Be sure to check out the Honky Tonk Heroes album... Harmonica is a big part of the sound.

 

[daddyplaysbass]

Charlie McCoy Online

www.charliemccoy.com

 

[Stringbanger]

All of Waylon's outlaw records are full of great harmonica. My personal favorite -- the harmonica really adds to the churning, propulsive feel:



Be sure to check out the Honky Tonk Heroes album... Harmonica is a big part of the sound.

How did I miss this one? I listen to Waylon in good doses, but now I realize it’s mostly his older material. Thanks!

 

[elihu]

Hey Stringbanger...here's one example that I've always wanted to know how they did it. So the first 12 bars in 3/4 time are the harmonica. Starting at bar 9 the pitch bends down, holds then bends down again! How the heck?

 

[acousticnitemare]

Clint Black.

 

[Peegoo]

 

[oldunc]

AAs far as I can see, Harmonica Sam when performing as "The Country Side of Harmonica Sam" doesn't play harmonica; make of that what you will.

 

[Tele-Meister]

 

[Califiddler]

I love Charlie McCoy's harmonica (just fills, no solo) on Gordon Lightfoot's "Cotton Jenny", my favorite GL song.

 

[Gerolamo]

Hey Stringbanger, how are you doing? I have messaged you several times over the past 2 years and was wondering all this time what happened and you are posting? Would love to know what has happened...

 

[Stringbanger]

Just found another! Randy Travis:

 

[Gerolamo]

Just found another! Randy Travis:

Jim, let me know please?

 

[Stringbanger]

Jim, let me know please?

If you want to talk to me PM me, as opposed to using my thread. I don’t remember you.

 

[Tall-Fir]

Listened to “The Orange Blossom Special” the other day. It was Johnny Cash’s version. Fiddles aren’t featured, but the harmonica solo is just terrific. The player must be Charlie McCoy, but I am not absolutely sure.