The Little Walter Foundation
“… you gotta say (that) Little Walter invented the blues harmonica"
- No one had that sound before him. No one could make the thing cry like a baby and moan like a woman.
- No one could put pain into the harp and have it come out so pretty.
- No one understood that the harmonica — just as much as a trumpet, a trombone, or a saxophone — could have a voice that would drop you in your tracks, where all you could say was “Lord, have mercy.”
Buddy Guy, from “When I Left Home”
He was the first musician of any kind to purposely use electronic distortion as a musical technique, fundamentally altering the listener’s expectations of the harmonica. His virtuosity with the harp established the standard vocabulary for modern blues and blues rock harmonica players.
Little Walter scored 14 top ten hits between 1952 -1958, and was the best blues artist produced by the post war Chicago blues movement. In 2008, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Remembering Little Walter
Hi, My name is Marion Diaz Reacco. I'm that little girl in the picture with Little Walter. That was a long time ago and I have some memories of my father, especially when he used to put me up on a stool and make me listen to him practice his harmonica over and over again. I didn't get a lot of time to spend with him, and now that I am older I want to remember him in a different way.
The Little Walter Foundation is my way of getting to know my father. There are so many stories that I don't know about. So many of you that have been touched by his abilities. Share in those stories, let me know how my father made an impact on your life.
Your contribution to the Little Walter Foundation through your recollections, your photos, your stories and your efforts will truly be a gift to me and my Dad!
Love, Marion Diaz Reacco
Happy Birthday, Little Walter!
Little Walter Music Festival
We have lots of Little Walter Music Festival T-shirts and bags!
(In fact, we have too many, and we really need your help and support to make us whole on the festival)
Festival logo on the front, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame quote on the back
Small, Medium, Large, XL, - $20.00 each
2XL, 3XL, 4XL - $25.00
plus shipping and handling
Little Walter Music Festival in the Press
Articles from The Town Talk
Little Walter Music Festival Alexandria honors one of LA's own
Pictured right: Louisiana Music Hall of Fame Executive Director Mike Sheperd presents Marion Diaz Reacco with Induction Certificate and photo, Little Walter Foundation Director Phil Moy looks on
Photo credit: Louisiana Music Hall of Fame
Pictured below: The crowd settles in for the concert, nearly 900 people attended the event.
Photo credit: LWF
