Some of you may have been introduced to Little Walter through Columbus Short’s role in Cadillac Records. While it is true Little Walter had many personal demons in his struggle with alcohol along with a very short temper, as many great artists he also had a highly influential gift.
The single Juke, a hit song that launched Little Walter’s solo career, brought a certain style of Chicago blues harmonica to the forefront which is still used today. The reason this song was so significant was due to its power on the Billboard R&B charts – #1 for 2 months – and the fact that the song was an instrumental. During this time harmonica instrumentals were not known to have this type of impact when it came to staying or getting on the charts. Little Walter did this noteworthy single in two takes and he was just the tender age of 22.
Hope West is a music enthusiast and music photographer who has captured artists like B.B. King, Janet Jackson, Teddy Riley and many others. A life long lover of music, Hope is a graduate of Full Sail University where she studied music engineering. She’s also a proud “Florida Girl” born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. and currently resides in Atlanta, GA as a “Georgia Peach”. Hope is known for her creativity, sense of humor and quirky perfectionism. Artist(s) that make her freak out as a music fan: Sheila E., Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Quincy Jones.
maan.
he influenced vocal approaches. i still cover “my baby!”
thanks for this
-tai
Appreciate seeing the love for Little Walter’s influence!! I love it!!! And don’t hurt nobody singing that “My Baby” cover. 🙂