harmonicas

James Cotton learned the blues from many of the greatest artists in recorded history! As a result his style of playing is our link to the early development of the music form, especially those influences in the years following World War II. James was nine years old when he played with Sonny Boy Williamson and later played with icons such as Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters, Bobby “Blue” Bland, BB King and Big Mama Thorton, among many others. His passion for music and his willingness to share his style with others has made him one of the most beloved bluesmen of our time.

Tomcat Courtney was raised in a cotton field outside of Marlin, Texas. When he was ten years old he saw Bill Bojangles dance in a traveling minstrel show and tomcat was hooked.. He left home at the age of 14 to dance in the circus where he also sang and learned to play the guitar. His style of playing was based on roots music and the blues that he not only heard, but he loved. As a songwriter Tomcat penned “Cook My Breakfast,” “Disaster Blues” and “Railroad Avenue,” which was inspired by an ex-girlfriend named Ruby. Now that’s the blues.

Sam Hinton was a national treasure. It seems appropriate to use that term when talking about him because he become an important and invaluable preservationist of some of our nation's greatest treasures, folk songs. Sam spent many years traveling the backwoods of this country in search of traditional songs that surely would have been lost without his efforts. As early as 1947, Sam recorded his favorite folk songs for the Library of Congress.

Cham-Ber Huang designed one of the best-known classical harmonicas in the world. His instruments are used in most classical works and by those who recognize the skillful design and quality sound of his harmonica. In his interview, America folk singer and expert Sam Hinton said, “I’ve not found a finer harmonica than that of Mr. Huang’s.” Cham-Ber, a celebrated performer in China as well as the United States, was also a popular showman in Las Vegas in the 1950s and 1960s.  

Frank Huang joined the Hohner Harmonica Company along with his brother, famed Chinese performer Cham-Ber Huang, to design a specialized harmonica. Frank’s understanding of the developmental process of musical instruments and his vast knowledge of Chinese/American relations led to the establishment of Huang International in Long Island, New York. The company has gained a reputation for pioneering Chinese exports with strong and consistent quality and with respected dealer relations. Frank also worked long and hard to establish fair and long term commerce and trade practices between the Chinese and American governments.
 

Lazy Lester developed a unique style of blues harmonica playing that has influenced the beginner as well as the professional performer. His early recordings of his own songs led to his long relationship with the Hohner Company. Over the years he has developed as a guitarist and plays both instruments on a regular basis. During his interview he spoke of his great appreciation for the blues and his respect for those players who came before him. “The greatest way to repay those who came before us and who shared our sound, is to make sure they are not forgotten.”  

George Luther is a giant of music retail legend. His reputation precedes him far beyond the South, where he forged a successful and colorful career in music retail. His business savvy is in large part from thinking "outside the box". Over many years of fostering a fun working environment and mentoring many employees, his success is evident in the multitude of former mentored employees who have gone on to their own successful careers in the music products industry.

Yasuharu Mano’s grandfather opened a toy business in 1902 in Japan and by 1917 expanded to include a small line of harmonicas. Soon, the harmonica became in high demand and the company changed directions to focus on the making of musical instruments. Yasuharu played a large role in the marketing of the Tombo brand name on accordions and harmonicas later teaming up with others to design and create brand new models, such as the now famous Lee Oskar harmonica.  

Charlie McCoy is one of the noted musicians known as the A Team, in the Nashville studios of the 1950s, 60s and 70s! Charlie’s harmonica can be heard on several popular recordings –countless in fact – including the lead solo on “Candy Man” by Roy Orbison. Charlie formed an early relationship with Hohner and he has worked with the company over the years on product design and promotions.

Horst Mucha is one of the most recognizable faces within the music products industry. As a past president of Hohner and a pioneer in the expansion of the company’s product line, Horst has truly become a legend in the industry. During the 1960s, he restructured dealer relations and revamped how it was being handled within the company, resulting in closer relationships with the dealers both in the U.S. and around the world. During that same time, he expanded the product line to include guitars.