The harmonica has long been synonymous with the blues, playing a key role in the evolution of the genre. This Rough Guide highlights the revolutionary players who pioneered the techniques now considered standard.

Jaybird Coleman: Man Trouble Blues
Ollis Martin: Police and High Sheriff Come Ridin' Down
Noah Lewis' Jug Band: Bad Luck's My Buddy
Carver Boys: Wang Wang Harmonica Blues
William McCoy: Train Imitations and the Fox Chase
Chuck Darling: Blowin' the Blues
Eddie Mapp: Riding the Blinds
Alfred Lewis: Friday Moan Blues
Jazz Gillum: Sarah Jane
Freeman Stowers: Railroad Blues
Blues Birdhead: Harmonica Blues
Deford Bailey: Muscle Shoal Blues
Palmer McAbee: Lost Boy Blues