CAREY BELL

Biography

Carey Bell Harrington (November 14, 1936 – May 6, 2007) was a pivotal figure in the Chicago blues scene, renowned for his expressive harmonica playing and soulful vocals. Born in Macon, Mississippi, Bell began playing harmonica as a child, inspired by the sounds of Louis Jordan and blues radio. In his teens, he was mentored by pianist Lovie Lee, who brought him to Chicago in 1956, where Bell quickly immersed himself in the city’s vibrant blues community. There, he learned directly from harmonica greats such as Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and especially Big Walter Horton, who became his close friend and mentor.

As the electric guitar began to dominate the Chicago blues sound, Bell adapted by learning bass, performing with artists like Honeyboy Edwards, Earl Hooker, and Eddie Taylor. He soon returned to harmonica, making his recording debut in the late 1960s and releasing his first solo album, 'Carey Bell’s Blues Harp,' in 1969. Bell played with Muddy Waters’ band in the early 1970s and later with Willie Dixon’s Chicago Blues All-Stars, also recording and touring extensively as a solo artist. His style was marked by a robust, 'chopped' phrasing and a deep, emotive approach that honored tradition while remaining contemporary. Over a career spanning five decades, Bell became a sought-after session musician, a respected bandleader, and a mentor to younger players, including his son, guitarist Lurrie Bell. He died of heart failure in Chicago in 2007, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the last great Chicago blues harp masters.

Fun Facts

• Carey Bell originally learned harmonica by listening to Louis Jordan records before studying directly with Chicago’s harmonica masters.
• He switched to playing bass in the late 1950s to stay active in the blues scene as harmonica gigs became scarce.
• Bell toured Europe with the American Folk Blues Festival in 1969, performing at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
• His 1990 album 'Harp Attack!' with Junior Wells, James Cotton, and Billy Branch is considered a modern classic of blues harmonica.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Big Walter Horton - Close friend and primary harmonica mentor; taught Bell advanced techniques and tone. (Big Walter Horton with Carey Bell (1972, Alligator Records)) [1956–1970s]
• Little Walter Jacobs - Early influence and friend; shared harmonica tricks and performance insights. (Live performances and informal instruction) [1956–1960s]
• Sonny Boy Williamson II - Influence and mentor; contributed to Bell’s stylistic development. (Live performances and informal instruction) [1956–1960s]
• Lovie Lee - Godfather and early mentor; brought Bell to Chicago and helped him enter the blues scene. (Band performances in Mississippi and Chicago) [1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Muddy Waters - Band member; played harmonica and bass in Waters’ band and on recordings. (The London Sessions, Unk in Funk) [1970–1971]
• Willie Dixon - Member of Dixon’s Chicago Blues All-Stars; performed and recorded together. (Chicago Blues All-Stars projects) [1970s]
• Earl Hooker - Performed as bassist and harmonica player; recorded together. (Sessions for Arhoolie Records (1968)) [Late 1960s]
• Junior Wells, James Cotton, Billy Branch - Collaborated as part of the harmonica supergroup for the album Harp Attack! (Harp Attack! (1990, Alligator Records)) [1990]
• Lurrie Bell - Son and frequent collaborator; recorded and performed together. (Second Nature (2004), other joint albums) [1990s–2000s]

Artists Influenced

• Lurrie Bell - Son and protégé; became a leading blues guitarist influenced by his father’s playing and guidance. (Solo career, collaborations with Carey Bell) [1980s–present]
• Billy Branch - Younger harmonica player influenced by Bell’s style and collaborations. (Harp Attack!, solo recordings) [1980s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Little Boy Blue (Big Walter Horton With Carey Bell)
2. Have A Good Time (Big Walter Horton With Carey Bell)
3. Lovin' My Baby (Big Walter Horton With Carey Bell)
4. Tell Me Baby (Big Walter Horton With Carey Bell)
5. That Ain't It (Big Walter Horton With Carey Bell)
6. Can't Hold Out Much Longer (Big Walter Horton With Carey Bell)
7. Under The Sun (Big Walter Horton With Carey Bell)
8. Everything's Gonna Be All Right (Heartaches And Pain)
9. Have Mercy (Big Walter Horton With Carey Bell)
10. Down Home Blues (Harp Attack!)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia