Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast Sonny Terry retrospective with Paul Lamb, Joe Filisko and Adam Sikora
Dec 7, 2024
Paul Lamb, a UK harmonica player who honed his craft under Sonny Terry's influence, joins American experts Joe Filisko, a scholar of early harmonica styles, and Adam Sikora. They dive into Sonny Terry's remarkable journey, from his captivating performance at Carnegie Hall to his legendary duo with Brownie McGhee. The discussion highlights Terry's unique rhythmic style, vocal techniques like whooping and hollering, and the impact of his music on the blues genre. Listeners gain insights into harmonica techniques and the lasting legacy of this harmonica icon.
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Lamb Meets Terry
- Paul Lamb met Sonny Terry at OAT in the 70s.
- They played together, and Lamb recalls Terry saying he was handicapped but could get on with life.
Terry's Accidents
- Sonny Terry lost his sight due to two accidents.
- The first occurred at age 11 while playing music, the second at 16 while playing with a friend.
Music as an Outlet
- Sonny Terry's blindness led him to music as he couldn't work on the farm.
- His father, a harmonica player, gave him early lessons, focusing on folk music and reels.