Collector Man Blues

John Lee Williamson helped define modern blues harmonica, playing it not just as a novelty, but as a lead instrument capable of mimicking a crying voice. Recorded during the Depression, this song tackles the harsh reality of the debt collector knocking at the door. He's backed by Robert Lee McCoy (later known as Robert Nighthawk) on guitar. Williamson's technique of cross-harping (playing in a key a fourth above the guitar to allow for bent, wailing notes) became the standard for all blues harmonica players that followed.