On this day in 1924 one of the best blues performers ever was born.

Slim Harpo was born James Moore in Lobdel, Louisiana and was the eldest in an orphaned family.  He worked as a longshoreman and builder during the 30s.  He began performing in Baton Rouge as Harmonica Slim.  Later he backed his brother in Law Lightnin’ Hopkins (another blues great).

he was given the name Slim Harpo by his producer Jay Miller, a reference to his mastery of the harmonica.  His solo debut was amazing coupling “I’m a King Bee” with “I Got Love if You Want It”.  A string of hits followed.  His songs were covered by many in the British Blues boom of the 60s including The Stones, Yardbirds, Them, Pretty Things – infact, almost anyone playing in British clubs at the time.

His lazy delivery cooupled with understated but effective electric backing ensured his place in the pantheon of blues greats.

Slim’s Original

The Immortal Muddy’s Version (turn this one up)

Stone’s version 1966

Kenny Wayne Shepherd