Soul & Funk Harmonica: 10 Classics

When you think of the harmonica, you immediately think blues or – at a stretch – you might think jazz. But you’re unlikely to think funk and soul. The truth is the. harmonica can lend its unique sound to pretty much any genre. To illustrate just how flexible the pocket-sized wonder is, guest blogger Marlies lines up 10 funk and soul classics that feature plenty of harmonica.

#1. Fingertips by Steve Wonder

The most well known is probably Fingertips by Stevie Wonder, which he performed when he was still very young at the Regal theatre in Chicago in 1963 and, as legend has it, the moment he finished the song he simply took a breath before starting it all over again. This version was released in 1963 and was Stevie’s third single. Here’s a clip of him performing it live:

#2. I Want to Take You Higher by Sly and the Family Stone

A screaming harmonica line has been worked into the 1969 hit, I Want to Take You Higher by Sly and the Family Stone. Have a close listen to the opening, where Sly Stone himself can be heard on the harp:

#3. Long Train Running (Without Love) by Midnight Movers Unlimited

Long Train Running (Without Love) is one of the Doobie Brothers’ biggest hits, but in 1974, Midnight Movers Unlimited came out with this funk infused cover. A fiery harmonica kicks in around 3 minutes in:

#4. Oh Girl by The Chi-Lites

Oh Girl by The Chi-Lites is a slow and sweet soul ballad that first came out in 1972 and appeared on the album A Lonely Man. The song is all about a great love that threatens to fade away, which is echoed in the inconsolable sound of the harmonica line:

#5. Low Rider by War

Low Rider came out in 1975 on the album Why Can’t We Be Friends?, and War had a dedicated harp player in service through the recording sessions. That harp player was Lee Oskar, a Danish musician who, at the tender age of 18 travelled to New York with nothing more than his harmonica. He first made his living busking on the streets but later started the band War in 1969 with Eric Burdon. Lee Oskar would later make a few solo albums and became a somewhat renowned entrepreneur, having started his own harmonica company, which still exists now.

#6. Eli’s Pork Chop by Little Sonny

Eli’s Pork Chop was penned by blues veteran Little Sonny, but steps out into the realm of funk. This track is featured on the album New King Of Blues Harmonica, which came out in 1970.

#7. Love Potion-Cheeba Cheeba by the Mighty Tom Cats

Released in 1973, Love Potion-Cheeba Cheeba is one of our lesser-known classics, which is a shame, since this one’s a banger. It’s a bit out there, the lyrics included, and features a really tasty drum intro and some even tastier harmonica work.

#8. Groovin’ With Mr. Bloe by Mr Bloe

This one is a little better known. Groovin’ With Mr. Bloe by Mr Bloe was a big hit in 1970 and the instrumental is used today as a radio jingle.

#9. Funky Wah Wah by Tony La Mar With The Experience Unlimited Band

Funky Wah Wah by Tony La Mar With The Experience Unlimited Band first dropped in 1970 and is still a rare and relatively obscure gem that features a killer harmonica riff.

#10. I Feel For You by Chaka Kahn

We end where we started with Stevie Wonder. On this track, which was written by Prince for Chaka Khan, you can hear a sample of the young Stevie playing his chromatic harmonica at exactly 2 minutes and 59 seconds, which was taken straight out of his first hit, Fingertips.

Any Requests?

While the harmonica isn’t exactly a necessity in funk and soul, when it is there, it can have maximum impact.

Can you think of any other soul and funk classics that include a harp? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to include a YouTube link!