Slim Harpo(1924-1970)

James Isaac Moore, known as Slim Harpo, born in Lobdell, Louisiana, in 1924, was an American blues musician, singer/songwriter, a leading exponent of the swamp blues style, that made the national charts and international recognition. In the mid-50's he began performing in Baton Rouge bars using the name "Harmonica Slim", accompanied by his brother-in-law Lightnin' Slim. In 1957 he was spotted by record producer Jay Miller and made his first recording, the single "I'm a King Bee" / "I Got Love if You Want It" on Excello Records. To differentiate himself from another performer called Harmonica Slim, he took his wife's suggestion and adopted the name Slim Harpo. In 1961 he made the charts with "Rainin' in My Heart" , his sixth single record, that generated his first album "Slim Harpo sings..." including 12 tracks. His biggest commercial success came in 1966, when "Baby Scratch My Back" reached number one on the R&B chart and number 16 on the broader charts. Produced by Jay Miller and written by Slim Harpo himself, using Jas. Moore on the label. Many of his songs were co-written with his wife, Lovelle Moore, although she never received credit. The laconic, loping beat with tremolo laden guitar, wood block maracas, and snapping snare drum sound of "Baby Scratch My Back" was a great part of the success. Along with Slim Harpo's laid-back blues rap monologue it soon became a corner stone in blues, rhythm'n blues and rock'n roll music. Slim Harpo's songs and style was first copied by British bands like The Rolling Stones and Kinks. Later many other acts and performers followed. With his first scheduled tour of Europe and recording sessions already planned, he suddenly died of a heart attack in Baton Rouge in January 1970 at the age of 46.