Bobby Rush, 87, is a Grammy-winning blues musician, composer and singer. His latest album is “Rawer Than Raw” (Deep Rush). He is the author of “I Ain’t Studdin’ Ya” (Hachette), a memoir. He spoke with Marc Myers.
When I was 6, my father took out his harmonica and played it for me. As I listened and watched, the groove hit me. Later, I searched his room looking for it but came up empty.
Suddenly, my father was standing in the doorway holding the harmonica. Smiling, he said, “Is this what you’re looking for?” I said yes but that I didn’t know how to play it.
Daddy sat down and showed me how to bend notes and use my hands to alter the sound. What I remember most is the song about a dog outrunning a train.