The Bob Dylan Harmonica Interview

Bob Dylan talks to Scott Emmerman,
Director Of Marketing and Sales for Hohner USA


When did you get started playing harp?
“When I was in high school”

Which came first for you, the guitar or the harp?
“The guitar”

Having played both wood & plastic comb harmonicas, which do you prefer & why?
“I like the more natural feel of the wood”

Who are some of your main musical influences on harmonica?
“Wayne Raney, Little Walter, & Jimmy Reed”

What are some of your personal favorite harmonica tunes performed by other artists?
“Roller Coaster” by Little Walter, “Going Down the Road” by Woody Guthrie, & “Freight Train Boogie” by the Delmore Bros. featuring Wayne Raney

Tell us about your experiences with the harmonica “rack.” When did you first start using one?
“When I was performing solo in coffee houses. I got the approach from Woody Guthrie … it really gave a coffee house performer more variety to be able to keep the rhythm on guitar while playing the harp.”

How did you adapt your playing style when using it?
“Well, you play a more chordal thing, as opposed to the single note style of folks like Little Walter.”

Does the harmonica play a role in your songwriting process?
“No”

How do you feel your harmonica playing has influenced today’s players?
“I’m not sure it has”

Are there any young harmonica players today that capture your attention?
“Not really. But I hope one comes along soon.”

What advice would you give to a beginning harp player?
“Listen to Little Walter, Wayne Raney and Jimmy Reed!"

 

Great advice on Little Walter. He's the man when it comes to blues harp.

 

When was this interview?

 

Recently--Hohner currently has a series of Bob Dylan harmonicas.

 

Who was first person to use a "harmonica rack" btw?

 

Most people interviewed on the No Direction Home DVD thought Dylan was first, so it obviously was a little-known accessory circa 1961...

My guess would be that it would have originally been a marching band-type of accessory from over here in Germany, where Hohner is based. They're absolutely nuts here for marching bands, even today.

 

It seems apparent to me that it's not an in-person interview. It's not like a conversation at all. It seems like someone submitted the questions and Dylan wrote down the answers or had someone else write them down.

 

Wonder if any of the earlier folk singers used a Harmonica Rack. I can't recall.