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Slim Harpo (1924-1970)

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James Moore was born 11 January 1924 in Lobdel, Louisiana. He worked to support his younger siblings as a longshoreman and building worker during the late 30s and early 40s. He later began performing in Baton Rouge bars under the name Harmonica Slim. He accompanied Lightnin' Slim, his brother-in-law, before commencing his own recording career in 1957.

Harpo's solo debut coupled "I'm A King Bee" with "I Got Love If You Want It." He began recording for Excello and produced many popular R&B singles including "Raining In My Heart" (1961), "I Love The Life I Live" and "Little Queen Bee" (1964).

His warm, lazy voice augmented the sexual metaphor of "I'm A King Bee," which was recorded by the Rolling Stones on their first album. They later covered the pulsating "Shake Your Hips." The Pretty Things, the Yardbirds and Them have also covered versions of Harpo songs. He enjoyed a notable US Top 20 pop hit in 1966 with "Baby Scratch My Back."

Harpo was one of the greatest of the "swamp-blues" musicians. Swamp-blues gets its name from its laid-back rhythm, echo effects and reverb. The music has a dark, doom filled aspect reminiscent of a swamp.

One of Harpo's influences was Jimmy Reed. Both sang, played harmonica and guitar, but Harpo is considered the better musician. Harpo's music was more adventurous, adding aspects of soul here and country there. Harpo's singing was high pitched and nasal, something more connected with country than blues. He also stretched words and accented different syllables to make his singing unique.

Harpo owned a trucking business during the '60s while he appeared in several blues revival shows. He reunited with Lightnin' Slim and they played together until the end of the '60s. Harpo suffered a fatal heart attack on 31 January 1970 while planning his first European tour.

The Music of Slim Harpo

While most of his music is unavailable, Excello/Hip-O records has released a compilation called "The Best Of Slim Harpo." This collection has 16 of is hits, including most of those mentioned in this article.

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