Self-taught musician Damion Pearson got his start playing on Beale Street with ‘Big’ Jerry Parnell and has been a practicing harmonica for almost 30 years. He recalls purchasing his first harmonica as a teenager, “In school, our mother gave me and my brothers money for lunch or bus fare, but not both. At age thirteen, I wanted a harmonica. For one month, I walked home from school and went hungry at lunch so I could save the money and buy my first harmonica.” He’s since established his legacy as “the youngest harmonica player to come from Beale Street” and one of the last old-school buskers in Memphis. Rooted in the blues and gospel music that he grew up with, today Damion’s unique sound blends blues, soul, gospel, and hip hop. His soulful blues harmonica style has been compared to artists like Stevie Wonder, Bobby Rush, and Little Walter. He’s known for his passionate performances in the community at church, cultural events, and local venues. Damion notes the role of the instrument in special gatherings like birthday parties, reunions, and funerals: “Harmonica is an instrument used for human expression, often a celebration of life… I have several requests from elders that when they pass on, they would like my harmonica played at their home going celebration…often the harmonica brings a sense of Joy to the elders and nostalgia and to the youngsters something new and novel.”
Harmonica playing was once prevalent in Memphis and the surrounding Hill Country but is now rarely found. Damion is one of the few torch bearers carrying on this artform. He recognizes its unique ability to create intergenerational bridges in the community. “It is important to preserve and pass this music down because music is a connector,” Damion says. “I have witnessed on many occasions how music has been a bridge between generations. By standing in the middle and studying both older and younger generations of music, I’ve infused blues from the elders with current sounds and caught the youths’ ears.”
Apprentice Courtney Bookman is a Memphis native and has been playing harmonica for one year. She is eager to grow in her skill and honor the tradition. Damion will be teaching Courtney the blues by way of harmonica. This includes not only the phrasing terminology and technique, but also the stories and culture of the music. To this end, Courtney will get a chance to busk on Beale Street as well as have one-on-one time to learn techniques required to play harmonica, including correct breathing, embouchure, scales for blues and gospel, tongue articulation, hand position, wah wah, and train chords. Damion will pass on harmonica stylings from the old-time players as well as some of his own innovations. Damion explains that “the resulting blend of gospel, Memphis blues, Delta blues, and Hill Country blues comes together into its own funky sound.”
