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Charlie Place: The Life and Music of St. Louis Blues Legend

Jordan Blair

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A Vintage Black And White Photograph Of Charlie Place, A St. Louis Blues Musician, Playing The Harmonica While Wearing A Tie And A Suit. Charlie S Place Sam Staley

Early Life and Career

Charlie Place was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 20, 1926. His father was a bricklayer, and his mother worked as a maid. Place grew up in a musical family, and he started playing the harmonica at a young age.

Charlie's Place

by Sam Staley

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In the 1940s, Place began playing professionally with local bands. He quickly developed a reputation as a talented harmonica player, and he soon became a fixture on the St. Louis blues scene.

The St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis blues is a style of blues music that developed in the early 20th century. It is characterized by its slow tempo, mournful melodies, and emotional lyrics.

Place was one of the most influential figures in the development of the St. Louis blues. His harmonica playing was a key part of the sound of the St. Louis blues, and his songs often dealt with themes of love, loss, and heartache.

Collaboration with Muddy Waters

In the 1950s, Place began collaborating with Muddy Waters, one of the most important blues musicians of all time. Place played harmonica on several of Waters' recordings, including the classic songs "Hoochie Coochie Man" and "Rollin' Stone."

Place's collaboration with Waters helped to bring the St. Louis blues to a wider audience. He also played a key role in the development of Chicago blues, which is a more electrified and upbeat style of blues music.

Later Career

Place continued to perform and record throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He released several albums as a solo artist, and he also collaborated with other blues musicians, such as Big Mama Thornton and John Lee Hooker.

In the 1980s, Place began to experience health problems. He suffered a stroke in 1986, which left him partially paralyzed. Despite his health problems, Place continued to perform and record until his death in 1993.

Legacy

Charlie Place was one of the most important figures in the history of the St. Louis blues. His harmonica playing was a key part of the sound of the St. Louis blues, and his songs often dealt with themes of love, loss, and heartache.

Place's collaboration with Muddy Waters helped to bring the St. Louis blues to a wider audience. He also played a key role in the development of Chicago blues.

Place's music continues to be enjoyed by fans of blues music around the world. He is remembered as one of the greatest harmonica players of all time.