Episode 25 with Mickey Raphael (Willie Nelson)

The Riff Raff with Shane Theriot

How do you land a gig with one of the icons of American music and keep it for 45 years? Ask todays guest- Mickey Raphael. Unless your name is Keith Richards, I don’t know anyone who has had a gig for as long as he has, much less on harmonica. Mickey is one of the best harmonica players on the scene and has been a member of Willie Nelson’s band for over 4 decades. Besides all the great gigs with Willie, along the way he also recorded and performed with most of the greats- I’m talking about Neil Young, Leon Russell, Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and it goes on and on.

In the interview we discuss his early years, how he landed the gig with Willie Nelson, recording on legendary records such as “Red Headed Stranger”, "Stardust" and "Teatro", how he got the gig with Willie, Miles Davis stories, a funny Willie/ Hells Angels story, his influences, session work, working with Daniel Lanois, solo records, some jamming here and there and much more.

Recorded Jan. 2018 at Mickey’s home, Nashville TN.

Mickey's website http://www.mickeyraphael.com/

Mickey's Solo record- "Hand to Mouth"

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