Palmer McAbee

Palmer Braden McAbee (April 28, 1894, Cherokee County, Alabama - September 5, 1970, 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
DiedSeptember 5, 1970(1970-09-05) (aged 76)
Cherokee County Hospital, Centre, Alabama
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.[5]

He is buried in Hebron United Methodist Church Cemetery, Howells Crossroads, Cherokee County.[5]

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".[6]

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. Palmer B. McAbee at Find a Grave
  6. Chadbourne, Eugene. Palmer McAbee at AllMusic. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
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