Palmer McAbee

Palmer Braden McAbee (April 28, 1894 in Cherokee County, Alabama – September 5, 1970 in Centre, Alabama) was an American blues harmonica player. Little is known of his life.

Palmer McAbee
Born(1894-04-28)April 28, 1894
Cherokee County, Alabama, US
DiedSeptember 5, 1970(1970-09-05) (aged 76)
Cherokee County Hospital, Centre, Alabama, US
InstrumentsHarmonica
Years active1928
LabelsVictor

Career

On February 21, 1928, he recorded two tracks in Atlanta, Georgia: "Lost Boy Blues" and "McAbee's Railroad Piece". They were released on a 10" 78rpm record, Victor 41930.[1][2][3][4]

Personal life

It has often been assumed from the style of his music that he was African-American.[4] However, on his 1917 draft registration card, he is described as "Caucasian". At that time, he was employed as a carpenter, and resided in Cedartown, Georgia.

He is buried in Hebron United Methodist Church Cemetery, Howells Crossroads, Cherokee County.

Many harmonica players have tried to imitate railway noises. McAbee has been singled out for his "imagination and fervor ... creat[ing] effects both realistic and surrealistic sometimes by blowing over the top of the harp".[5]

References
  1. "Victor 21000 - 21500 numerical listing". 78discography.com. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
  2. "Palmer McAbee". folkarchive.de. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
  3. "Palmer McAbee (instrumentalist : harmonica)". UCSB. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
  4. "Palmer McAbee". wirz.de. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
  5. Chadbourne, Eugene. Palmer McAbee at AllMusic. Retrieved October 25, 2016.


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