Introduction
Paul Oscher (born April 5, 1950) is an American blues singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist.
Background
Oscher was born in Brooklyn, New York, United States. He is married to Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks.
Career
He first began playing harmonica at the age of 12. His career as a musician began at the age of 15 when he played for the musician, Little Jimmy Mae.
Oscher played harmonica as a member of the Muddy Waters Blues Band from 1967 until 1972. He was the first Caucasian musician in Muddy's band and lived in Muddy's house on Chicago's southside and shared the basement with the blues pianist Otis Spann. He recorded with Muddy for Chess Records, Louisiana Red, In 1976 he toured Europe with Louisiana Red They both appeared at the WDR-TV music show Rockpalast. In 1999, he played with Big Bill Morganfield on his debut album, Rising Son. In 2003 he is featured on harmonica, guitar and vocals on Hubert Sumlin's album, About Them Shoes, along with Keith Richards, Eric Clapton and Levon Helm. In 2006, he collaborated with Mos Def and recorded the song "Bed Stuy Parade and Funeral March" on Mos Def's album, The New Danger. In 2008 he recorded with Keb' Mo' on the soundtrack of a film about the blues, Who Do You Love?.
Awards
2006: Blues Music Awards:
- "Acoustic Artist Of The Year"
- "Acoustic Album Of The Year"
2000: LA Music Awards
- "Best Performance by Blues Musician"