Who is junior wells

Newly arrived in Chicago in , Junior Wells made his living playing blues at such gatherings. The Chicago blues style was unique. It brought the rural blues to the city and added electrical amplification not just to the guitars, but also to the mouth harps, as the harmonica was known. The music was harsh and intense. Wells had been influenced as a child by Howlin' Wolf and Junior Parker, then local heroes in Memphis. In Chicago he formed the Three Aces, building on his success with the group until when Muddy Waters, the city's leading blues player, asked him to replace another mouth harp player, Little Walter, in his band.

Ironically Little Walter then joined the Aces. Wells was called into the army in but absented himself to rejoin Muddy Waters and to record with him.

He returned to sort out his difficulties with the army and reformed the Aces on his discharge in They recorded both on their own and as a duo. Beginning in the '60s, Junior developed a distinctive percussive, staccato style that brought a contemporary, funky feeling to his playing. His harmonica echoed his vocals, bringing together the Delta style of Muddy Waters with the syncopated phrasing and attack of James Brown. Junior toured and recorded actively until he was diagnosed with cancer in He died on January 15,, hailed as one of the giants of the blues.

Chicago Blues DVD. Harp Attack Tee. He remained a fixture on the American blues scene throughout his long career and crossed over to rock audiences while touring with the Rolling Stones. December 9, — January 15, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website.

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