68. Mickey Raphael - Middle Class Rock Star Podcast

My guest today is Mickey Rapahel. Although perhaps best known as Willie Nelson's touring harmonica player since 1973, he's not synonymous with any one thing he's done in his career. As a session musician or side person, Mickey has collaborated with the likes of: Jason Isbell, Townes Van Zandt, Chris Stapleton, Jerry Jeff Walker, Tom Morello, Paul Simon, Snoop Dogg, Neil Young, Norah Jones, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Emmylou Harris, Leon Russell, Elton John, Mötley Crüe, Zac Brown Band, Dave Matthews... the list goes on.
In the episode, we chat about how he first got into the harmonica, how lyrics inform his playing, home recording, and the art of being a session musician.
Joining me as a co-host for this episode is MCRS alum and dear friend, Nic Clark. He's the best harmonica player I know, so along with my questions, Nic engages Mickey in some nerdy harp talk.
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Guest Links:
Mickey Raphael Website: www.mickeyraphael.com/pages/ab...
Episode Music:
Theme 2: "Theme 2" by Andy Sydow
Sponsor Music: "Wicked Dreams" by Andy Sydow
Interview Outro Music: Harmonica Improv by Nic Clark
Episode Outro Music: "Who I Want To Be" by Andy Sydow
Sponsors:
A huge thanks to our sponsors, PQ Mastering and Narrator RF.
For any sponsorship inquiries, shoot me an email at [e-mail]
pqmastering.com
narratorrf.com
#willienelson #harmonica #sessionharmonica

[@sidehatcharts4344]

This is fantastic!

[@AndySydow]

Thanks, Shon!!

[@tnysteph]

This is very good guys. I am a big fan of Mickey Raphael and his harmonica playing. I like your playing to Nick Clark.
A very cool Podcast.

[@AndySydow]

Thanks, Tony! Mickey was a great interview. I love his and Nic’s playing as well.

[@tnysteph]

@@AndySydow I am also looking into your music on RUclips. I like what I had heard. Good stuff.

[@AndySydow]

@@tnysteph Thank you. Much appreciated!

[@killianschafer5184]

This was so fun to listen to! Mickey inspired me to start playing harp. I just wanted to mention I work at Lone Wolf Blues Co. we make harmonica specific pedals please check us out if you haven’t I think you’ll like some of our stuff