Big Walter Horton
1921–1981 (age 60)
Musician
Biography
Big Walter Horton (1921-1981) was a harmonica virtuoso whose expressive tone and fluid phrasing helped elevate the instrument to a lead voice in the blues. Whether he was performing on the road or in the studio with luminaries such as Jimmy Rogers or Muddy Waters, his harmonica sang with elegance and raw emotion.
He inspired generations of players, teaching them to listen and respond within the bag-of-tricks that defined the Chicago sound. Restvale Cemetery is where he now rests, but his resonant melodies continue to echo through the songs of contemporary blues artists.