Lee Oskar

Biography

Lee Oskar, born Lee Oskar Levitin on March 24, 1948, in Copenhagen, Denmark, is an internationally acclaimed harmonica virtuoso, composer, and producer. He began playing harmonica at age six after receiving one from a family friend, growing up in a neighborhood where harmonicas were common and developing a deep appreciation for music through Danish radio. Ray Charles, especially the 'Crying Time' album, was a formative influence during his youth. At 18, Oskar moved to New York with little more than his harmonica, busking on the streets before making his way to Los Angeles via Toronto and San Francisco.[1][4][5]

Oskar's career took off when he met Eric Burdon, former lead singer of The Animals, in Los Angeles. Together, they formed the core of the band War, whose innovative blend of rock, funk, jazz, and Latin influences was defined in part by Oskar's expressive harmonica playing. War achieved international fame with hits like 'Spill the Wine,' 'Low Rider,' 'The Cisco Kid,' and 'Why Can’t We Be Friends?,' with Oskar's harmonica a signature element of their sound. He remained a member of War for 24 years, later performing with original members as the LowRider Band. Alongside his band work, Oskar launched a successful solo career, earning accolades such as the 1976 Triple Crown for Instrumental Artist of the Year from Billboard, Cashbox, and Record World.[1][2][3][4]

Beyond performing, Oskar is a respected harmonica manufacturer. Frustrated by the quality of available instruments, he founded Lee Oskar Harmonicas in 1983, partnering with Tombo Musical Instrument Company in Japan to produce high-quality, modular harmonicas. His designs are widely used by musicians across genres, cementing his legacy not only as a performer but also as an innovator in musical instrument design.[3][5]

Fun Facts

• Lee Oskar moved to the United States at age 18 with only a harmonica and little money, busking on the streets of New York before finding success.
• He is the founder of Lee Oskar Harmonicas, a leading harmonica brand known for its modular design and quality, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023.
• Oskar was awarded the 1976 Triple Crown as Instrumental Artist of the Year by Billboard, Cashbox, and Record World.
• He continues to perform with original War members under the name LowRider Band and with his own group, Lee Oskar & Friends.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Ray Charles - Major stylistic influence from childhood; Oskar cites Charles and the 'Crying Time' album as formative to his musical sensibility. ('Crying Time' album) [1950s–1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Eric Burdon - Co-founder of Eric Burdon & War; collaborated on forming the band and developing its distinctive sound. (Eric Burdon Declares 'War', 'Spill the Wine') [1969–1971]
• Howard E. Scott - Co-founder and guitarist of War and later LowRider Band; long-term bandmate. (War albums, LowRider Band) [1969–present]
• Harold Brown - Drummer and co-founder of War and LowRider Band; long-term collaborator. (War albums, LowRider Band) [1969–present]
• Charles Miller - Saxophonist in War; paired with Oskar's harmonica to create the band's signature horn sound. (War albums) [1969–1980]

Artists Influenced

• Numerous harmonica players worldwide - Oskar's playing style and harmonica designs have influenced generations of musicians across genres; his harmonicas are widely used in blues, rock, jazz, and world music. (Lee Oskar Harmonicas, educational outreach) [1983–present]

Discography

Top Tracks

1. So (Love on My Mind)
2. So (Underground Oldies Gold, Vol. 2)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia