Big Walter Horton
Back to the Biographies
"Big" Walter "Shakey" Horton
(April 6, 1917 - December l, 1981)
Big Walter Hornton was a harmonica genius, right up among the ranks of
Sonny Boy Williamson (II) and
Little Walter. His smooth, sweet harp
playing can be heard in the background of dozens of Blues favorites by
some of the most popular and prolific Blues men to have waxed a record.
In his earlier life he spent most of his time between playing his harp and looking
for steady work in Memphis. He played from time to time around Beale, with the
Memphis Jug Band, on street corners, and so on. He even played for
Memphis's own Sun Records in the 1950's.
He moved back and forth to Chicago several times; playing side for early Chicago
Blues staples.
In fact, most of his life, Walter was content to play as sideman, rather than
front and center, which he did exquisitely. In 1953, Junior Wells, who had
replaced Little Walter, was drafted, and Big Walter Horton took his place as
Muddy Water's harpist side man. He didn't stay exclusive though, playing with
a handful of other blues men of the day, including Howlin' Wolf,
Otis Rush, Johnny Shines, and several others. His harmonica playing can be heard
on dozens of tracks from nearly all of the famous Chicago labels of the day. Walter
continued to play the Chicago club and festival circuit; finally cutting
several of his own long overdue records and collaborating with other Blues masters
such as Willie Dixon, Sunnyland Slim and excellent harpist Carey Bell; with whom he
made a very well recieved harp record Big Walter Hornton and Carey Bell in
1972. He can also be heard on Muddy Water's Grammy Winning 1978 record, I'm Ready.
Walter continued to record and play festivals and clubs until his death in
1981, and was inducted posthumously into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1982.
Notable albums with Big Walter Horton
