Tommy Morgan, Harmonica Soloist Behind Over 900 Movies, Dies at 89



A musical legend of both the silver and small screen has danced his way out of the world. Tommy Morgan, a harmonica soloist, has passed away at age 89. This news comes from Variety.

Morgan is one of those names who had a hand in a large chunk of the film and television industry, but he was also a name that was rarely spoken of. This is because of the instrument he mastered, the harmonica. Arguably, his most well known contribution was to the soundtrack of Dances With Wolves and Roots. But those were just two names in a crowd. Morgan has had consistent work dating all the way back to the 1950s. Variety estimates that more people have heard his harmonica than that of any other player of the instrument!

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

Another notable example of Morgan’s work is in Sanford and Son. Morgan’s harmonica playing can be heard in the theme song by Quincy Jones. His harmonica can also be heard in the various scores and soundtracks of other shows. According to Morgan’s website, his credits include The Carol Burnett Show, The Dukes of Hazard, Family Guy, Gunsmoke, Matlock, The Simpsons, and more! His most notable television work is in Emmy-winning score for Roots, along with its sequel Roots: The New Generations.

When it came to the big screen, Morgan earned credits in more than 900 theatrical and television movies. Among the movies with his name on them are The Apple Dumpling Gang, Blazing Saddles, My Fair Lady, Ratatouille, Seven Bridges for Seven Brothers, The Shawshank Redemption, Smokey and the Bandit, Free Willy, The Godfather III, and Steel Magnolias. If you heard a harmonica in a Hollywood movie, chances are it could have been Morgan’s.

Morgan’s career, of course, had a firm root in the music industry as well. His harmonica can be heard in the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations”, the Carpenters’ “Rainy Day and Mondays”, and Linda Ronstadt’s “Skylark”. He also has credits in recordings with artists such as Randy Newman, Barbra Streisand, Carly Simon, Olivia Newton-John, Neil Diamond, James Taylor, and Dolly Parton. At the 2017 National Association of Music Merchants, Morgan gave an oral history, sharing the following.

“I always considered myself a studio musician who played harmonica. It was a very exciting way to make a living. You never knew what you were going to do.”

Related: Joe Turkel, The Shining Star and Prolific Character Actor, Dies at 94

A Man Behind Much Music

Classic Musicals by Tommy Morgan & Gregg Nestor

Morgan was born on December 4th, 1932 in Los Angeles. He started his harmonica journey in second grade and didn’t look back since, studying with Jerry Adler, who was the brother of harmonica virtuoso Larry Adler. Morgan’s first session would be for the Andrews Sisters in September 1950, he was 17 when he took that first big step.

Morgan would continue playing through the 1950s on the U.S. Air Force band, snagging a spot on The Ed Sullivan Show. He would later on earn a master’s degree in music composition from UCLA. He is credited with three books, one of them being You Made How Much for Doing What?, an autobiography that premiered earlier this year.

Morgan would soon earn a lifetime achievement award from the Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica in 2001. In 2013 he suffered a stroke which pulled his playing to a halt. He is survived by his family; his wife Lois, sons Matthew and Daniel, and granddaughter Addie Rae. May he rest in peace.

You can view the original article HERE.

Travis Kelce’s Chiefs Teammate Hopes He Marries Taylor Swift, Has Kids
Who is Banksy? Everything we know about his identity
Fat Joe Moderates Criminal Justice Panel with Vice President Kamala Harris
Chris Appleton Dating Normal, Harvard Grad Post-Lukas Gage Split
Arthur the King Review | A Solid but Often Cheesy True Story Adventure
David Leitch Says Kung Fu Reboot with Donnie Yen Is in Development
SXSW 2024: Table of Contents
Zach Braff Tries to Reignite the Rom-Com
Thirty Seconds To Mars reschedule 2024 UK tour and some European shows
‘Dune’ mega fan has seen the film over 200 times
Steve Harley, singer with Cockney Rebel, dies at 73
AC/DC’s Brian Johnson and Dire Straits’ Mark Knopfler to star in new docuseries ‘Music Legends’
Where to Find Magic Mushrooms in Vancouver
Steelers acquire Justin Fields in trade with Bears
Ngannou says 3rd boxing match ‘maybe’ next
Report: Rams signing Jimmy Garoppolo
Pedro Pascal Credits Buffy the Vampire Slayer for ‘Saving’ His Acting Career
The Ones Who Live Post-Mortem: Director Michael Slovis Breaks Down Pivotal Episode
Born Again’s Charlie Cox Opens Up Karen Page & Foggy Nelson’s Return
Did Peacock’s Apples Never Fall Honor Liane Moriarty’s Novel?
A Day In The Life Of Gisele, Phoebe Philo Breaks Her Silence
Editor’s Pick: Haven Well Within Dulci Collection
Tommy Dorfman Guest Edits ELLE’s New Series, CEOs To Know
Olivia Rodrigo’s Beret From Lidow Archive