George “Harmonica” Smith

Blues singer and harmonica player, born April 22, 1924, Helena, AR, died October 2, 1983, Los Angeles, CA. There is evidence that he was one of the first to amplify his harp. At age four, Smith was already taking harp lessons from his mother. Smith moved to Rock Island, IL, in 1941 and played with a group that included Francis Clay on drums. Moved to Chicago in 1951 and played with Otis Rush and Muddy Waters at club dates. Made his first recordings for RPM in 1955.