Deke Harp
I first encountered Deke Harp during my first visit to Clarksdale, Mississippi. He was playing at Red’s, which is a Blues club that I had stumbled upon while exploring Clarksdale. Deke plays both guitar and the Blues Harp - known by most as a harmonica
It was on a subsequent visit to Clarksdale that I actually met Deke. It was early in the morning, and I had just arrived back in Clarksdale. I parked the Expedition on Delta Avenue just as it intersected with 3rd Avenue. The streets were empty with the exception of a passing car now and then. I saw a man walk out of a storefront business to begin setting up displays of CD’s and other merchandise. He was wearing a white tank top t-shirt with black suspenders, and an Ascot cap on his head
“This man looks like Deke Harp”, I said to myself. I watched for another several minutes then walked over. Sure enough it was him. I introduced myself and said that I saw him during my last visit to Clarksdale, playing at Red’s. Deke, I realized in those early moments, was a man of few words. I asked if this was his shop, and he shook his head with an affirming yes.
I walked back inside the shop with Deke so that I could explore. “Deak's Mississippi Saxophones & Blues Emporium”. Inside the store was Blues memorabilia of every kind: posters, photographs, t-shirts, CD’s and so much more. Several months earlier Dan Akroyd had visited Deke while passing through Clarksdale. Dan Akroyd - best known originally for his many roles on Saturday Night Live, is also the actor who, along with John Belushi, helped to create a massive resurgence of the Blues with their hit movie: The Blues Brothers. This is still one of my favorite movies.
There is also a workstation of sorts inside Deke’s shop. This is where he builds, and repairs harmonicas. As we settled into conversations I told him in detail about my project, and said that I would like to interview him, and make a photograph of him. We talked for a bit longer, then I said that - if it was ok with him I would like to bring in some lighting so that I could make a portrait of him
I exited the shop, returned to the Expedition which I had moved closer to the store, and began bringing in the cases of equipment. With each trip to the Expedition, and back, I noticed that Deke was also busy setting up mic stands, and plugging in equipment of his own.
After I brought in the last case Deke had finished as well, and was now standing with his guitar slung in front of him, and adjusting the harmonica that was suspended near his mouth by a band around his neck. Then he checked the levels on his amp - which was quite loud, then asked if I was ready.
Deke began to play - full on. He was presenting me with a private concert - Deke Harp style! He played for nearly thirty minutes, one song led immediately into another. It was raw, like the Blues should be, and damn good. [A two-minute video clip of this performance is available for Paid Subscribers].
After finishing his set, Deke moved to the couch that sat along one wall, but he didn’t unstrap his guitar, nor did he unplug it from the amp. He also kept the harp suspended around his neck. There was no time to set up lights, and I knew that to position him differently for the portrait would have been destructive to the authenticity of the image I wanted to make - that of Deke Harp, at his core
Deke lives the Blues. He’s not a poseur. Deke is a Bluesman to the very marrow of his bones. There is no other Deke that exists within him.
After I made the portrait, which was done while Deke continued to play, he removed the guitar and harp, setting them closely off to the side. We continued our conversation, which had opened up since the subject was the Blues. He told me of the time he spent touring with James Cotton. I told him of my experience, of having photographed James Cotton many years before - and the wonderful connection we seemed to have developed during his performance - to the point that when he finished his set he reached out his hand to me, shook it and thanked me. Deke told me how rare that was - and quite possibly the only time that such a gesture occurred with James Cotton. To this day I truly feel honored.
For my paid subscribers I have added a two-minute video clip below of Deke’s performance. This is my way of saying thank you for your added interest, and your unwavering support that helps keep projects like this possible.
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