Charlie Musselwhite, a Mississippi-born virtuoso, is renowned for his extraordinary blues-harp playing, drawing inspiration from the greats such as Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson. A trailblazer in his own right, Musselwhite was one of the few non-black blues-harmonica players to emerge from the Mississippi Delta, and his Choctaw Indian heritage adds a unique dimension to his music.
Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, Musselwhite had the privilege of rubbing shoulders with blues luminaries such as Will Shade, Furry Lewis, and other stalwarts of the genre. He honed his skills in Memphis, mastering the art of playing the blues-harp and guitar before relocating to Chicago in 1962.
Upon his arrival in Chicago, Musselwhite immersed himself in the city's vibrant blues scene, collaborating with legendary bluesmen J.B. Hutto and Mike Bloomfield. His musical journey took a significant turn in 1966 when he signed a contract with Vanguard Records, releasing a string of critically acclaimed albums that cemented his reputation as a blues-harp master.
After departing Vanguard in 1971, Musselwhite continued to record for various labels, including Arhoolie, Paramount, and Capitol. His career experienced a resurgence in 1990 with the release of the albums "Ace of Hearts" and "Signature" on Alligator Records, solidifying his status as a blues legend.
