#39 (S2 Ep 8) - 46 Years & Counting as Willie Nelson's Harmonica Player, Mickey Raphael

(THESE NOTES WILL BE UPDATED)

Mickey Raphael was given his first harmonica by an uncle who said if you can play Oh, Suzanna I'll give you the harmonica. Mickey would go on to play a whole lot more than that, having been Willie Nelson's harmonica player for over 46 years. He's played with the likes of Townes Van Zandt, Chris Stapleton, Tom Morello, Paul Simon, Snoop Dogg, Engelbert Humperdinck, Leon Bridges, Neil Young, Norah Jones, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Duane Eddy, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Leon Russell...DO I NEED TO SAY MORE? 

Mickey's story is a perfect fit for Baker Street with Thom Pollard. He picked up the harmonica and knew that he was destined to be a pro. His early influences include Sonny Boy Williamson, Sonny Terry & Brownie Mcghee and the legendary bluesman Paul Butterfield, with whom he soon became friends. 

Mickey tells a great story about playing with Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine fame, and how he introduced Tom's mom to Willie. 

Mickey's website is at mickeyraphael.com
Hand to Mouth, the music is courtesy of Mickey Raphael and Paul Butterfield
Paul Butterfield's One More Heartache, which Mickey plays before he hits the stage every night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHMryjUnu58

First song he ever played with Willie Nelson, Funny How Time Slips Away:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZaZqx9v3dU

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Thom Dharma Pollard