Big Walter Horton & Robert Nighthawk West Side Story Chicago May 23rd 1964

Big Walter Horton born Walter Horton on April 6, 1921, in Horn Lake, Mississippi, was a highly influential blues harmonica player known for his distinctive sound and technical prowess. He began playing harmonica as a child and developed a deep passion for the blues, inspired by artists like Sonny Boy Williamson I.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Horton played in the vibrant Memphis blues scene, where he honed his craft and gained recognition for his exceptional harmonica skills. He later moved to Chicago, becoming part of the city's thriving blues community in the 1950s. Horton's playing style was characterized by its soulfulness, virtuosity, and emotional depth.
Throughout his career, Big Walter Horton collaborated with numerous blues legends, including Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Otis Rush, and many others. He was a sought-after session musician, recording with various record labels and contributing to countless blues recordings. Horton's harmonica playing added a unique dimension to the music, earning him respect and admiration among fellow musicians and blues enthusiasts.
Despite his talent and influence, Horton experienced periods of obscurity and struggled with personal challenges, including health issues and financial difficulties. However, he continued to perform and record actively, leaving behind a substantial body of work that showcases his exceptional artistry.
Big Walter Horton's legacy in blues harmonica is profound. He played a pivotal role in shaping the Chicago blues sound and inspired generations of harmonica players with his expressive playing style. His recordings, such as "Hard-Hearted Woman" and "Easy," continue to be celebrated as classics of the genre. Big Walter Horton passed away on December 8, 1981, but his contributions to the blues live on, ensuring his enduring influence in the world of music.
Robert Lee McCollum (November 30, 1909 - November 5, 1967) Nighthawk was born in Helena, Arkansas, he was a highly influential blues guitarist and singer associated with the Delta blues and Chicago blues scenes. He began his musical career in the 1930s, performing under various pseudonyms like Robert Lee McCoy and Peetie's Boy. Nighthawk was a masterful slide guitarist, known for his expressive playing and powerful vocals.
In the late 1930s and early 1940s, Nighthawk traveled extensively, playing in juke joints and clubs across the South. He settled in Chicago in the mid-1940s, where he became an integral part of the city's burgeoning blues scene. Nighthawk's style evolved to incorporate elements of urban blues, and he often played electric guitar, contributing to the development of Chicago blues.
During his career, Nighthawk recorded for several record labels, including Bluebird and Chess Records, both as a solo artist and as a sideman for other musicians. Notable recordings include "Prowling Nighthawk" and "Sweet Black Angel." He was also a mentor to younger blues musicians, including Earl Hooker and Muddy Waters.
Robert Nighthawk's impact on blues guitar cannot be overstated. His innovative slide guitar technique, combined with his emotive singing and songwriting, left an indelible mark on the blues genre. Nighthawk's career was marked by both successes and challenges, including struggles with alcoholism and periods of obscurity. He passed away on November 5, 1967, but his legacy lives on through his recordings and the influence he had on subsequent generations of blues musicians.

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Love The Blues.