James Harman
| James Harman | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | James Gary Harman |
| Born |
June 8, 1946 Anniston, Alabama, United States |
| Genres | Blues |
| Occupation(s) | Harmonicist, singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Harmonica, vocals, piano, guitar, drums |
| Years active | 1970s-present |
| Labels | Black Top, various |
James Harman (born June 8, 1946 in Anniston, Alabama, United States) is an American blues harmonica player, singer, and songwriter.Music journalist Tony Russell described Harman as an "amusing songwriter and an excellent, unfussy blues harp player".
Born James Gary Harman, at the age of four, Harman began lessons in piano playing, and also sang in his local church choir. Harmonicas owned by his father were stored in the piano bench, and James tried playing them after his piano lessons ended. In time, he became capable in several other musical instruments, including guitar, electric organ, and drums.
In 1962 he relocated to Panama City, Florida, where he played in many rhythm and blues bands, of which The Icehouse Blues Band was the last. Earl Caldwell, manager of The Swinging Medallions, signed Harman to a recording contract. In 1964 in Atlanta, Georgia, Harman recorded the first of nine early singles, which were variously released on five different record labels.
Harman performed as a blues harmonica player and singer in Chicago, New York, and elsewhere before moving to southern California in the 1970s. There, his Icehouse Blues Band played alongside Big Joe Turner, John Lee Hooker, Freddie King, Muddy Waters, Albert King, B. B. King, T-Bone Walker, Lowell Fulsom, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Johnny "Guitar" Watson, and Albert Collins. In 1977 he formed the James Harman Band. Over the years their line-up has included Phil Alvin and Bill Bateman, who left in 1978 to form The Blasters; Gene Taylor, who departed in 1981, also to join the Blasters before moving on to The Fabulous Thunderbirds; and Kid Ramos. Alumni also included the late Hollywood Fats who, after leaving his own band in 1980, played alongside Harman for five years.
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