Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast Big Walter Horton retrospective with Tom Ball, Mudcat and Madcat
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Jul 19, 2025 
Tom Ball, a blues harmonica expert and author, joins Peter ‘Madcat’ Ruth, who learned from Horton in the '60s, and bassist Michael ‘Mudcat’ Ward, who played with him later in life. They dive into Big Walter Horton's life, sharing personal anecdotes and discussing his underappreciated genius and impactful musical contributions. The trio reflects on Horton's unique style, his pivotal performances, and the struggles he faced in the music industry, all while celebrating his lasting legacy in the blues genre.
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Big Walter's Short Tenure with Muddy
- Big Walter was fired from Muddy Waters' band after missing gigs, reportedly due to performing better-paying jobs elsewhere.
- His unreliability stemmed partly from balancing multiple gigs rather than just personal issues.
Impromptu Masterful Solo
- The iconic harmonica solo on "Walking By Myself" was recorded with little rehearsal.
- Jimmy Rogers noted they rehearsed the song but not the solo, which Walter played flawlessly over 24 bars.
Madcat's Lessons With Big Walter
- Peter Madcat Ruth took three harmonica lessons from Big Walter Horton between 1967 and 1968.
- The lessons involved Walter playing a phrase and Madcat repeating it, focusing on tone and feel rather than technical instruction.
