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Dr. (Larry Scott) Dixon was born on Sept. 9th, 1947 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was compelled by the harmonica one day at an outdoor concert when he watched a guitarist pull one out and start to play it. “In this moment I didn’t hear the harmonica with my ears, I heard it with my heart.” And not only can you clearly hear the heart in his playing, it’s clearly evident in other ways, as he’s helped young children, those with special needs, troubled juveniles, for decades, and helped any and everyone worldwide through his cheer, care, graphic design, art, and music throughout the years.
Playing harmonica since 1966 with so many great blues musicians, it would be shorter to list those whom he hasn’t played with. There’s his mentor, Big Walter Horton, along with performing with George ‘Harmonica’ Smith, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, James Cotton, Junior Wells, Cary Bell, Big Mama Thornton, Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, … the list goes on.
He introduced himself back when to Muddy while Muddy was playing cards in the backstage dressing room with “Pinetop, Fuzz, Willie, Luther, and Sammy.” He knocked on the door and told Muddy he was a harmonica player. Muddy laid down his cards, turned toward and approached him, saying “Son, we’re going to the bandstand. Come on. I wanna see what you can do!” He played with Muddy and others as they toured through Atlanta.
He painted a portrait of his beloved friend, Muddy, and sent it him on his birthday in 1972. The photo (attached here) is Muddy with his family, seen in the sleeve Muddy’s King Bee LP. Dr. Dixon’s painting of Muddy can be seen hanging on the back wall.
He is a man with amazing talent, long sought after showmanship, skill, and a clear, deep connection to the blues and good soul. And his energy is unmatched!
Here’s him live doing “Scratch My Back” in 2017:
Come on – if that isn’t the coolest rendition you’ve ever heard…
When our BluesHarpBrother, Dr. Dixon performs, he gives you that “healin’ wit da feelin’!!!”
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