John Lee Henley

about

John Lee Henley (Canton, MS, February 13, 1919 - March 12, 1995, Chicago, Ill) was an American harmonica player. The grandson of a preacher and the son of a farmer, he learned how to play harmonica in his youth. He worked around the Canton area in the 1930's and early 40's playing with local musicians such as Buddy Cobbs. In 1943 he moved to Chicago to find work outside of music. Muddy Waters let him sit in with his band a few times and he later joined the group Big Boy Spires' Rocket Four. Henley recorded with Spires as a sideman on his 1953 recordings for Chance. He continued working throughout the 1950's playing with whomever he could. Henley recorded two sides in 1958 for J.O.B. He made more recordings for the Testament label in the mid-1960's backed by David "Honeyboy" Edwards on guitar, but they were never issued. His last documented club performance was him playing with Big Joe Williams at the Fickle Pickle in 1964. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.

top songs

albums

Chicago Blues Harmonicas

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Harp And Soul

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Rough Treatment: The J.O.B. Records Story

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Play Me Some Rockin' Blues

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Rhythm & Blues Goes Rock & Roll, Vol. 23

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Down Home Harp-Testament

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Down Home Harp

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Harp & Soul

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Blues, Booze, Harps and Guitars Disc 2

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Testament 6002 - Honeyboy Edwards - Crawling Kingsnake

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Rough Treatment: The Job Records Story

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World Of Trouble - Memphis Minnie and Others - Flyright 585

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