Born on April 29: Toots Thielemans, the World’s Premier Harmonica Maestro
He was born in 1922 in the working-class Marolles neighborhood of Brussels, Belgium. "Bluesette" is a timeless classic
Maybe Belgium's most beloved figure globally (along with Tintin and Jean-Claude Van Damme , no doubt), Jean "Toots" Thielemens He would be turning 103 today. To celebrate what would have been his birthday, I revisited some cherished memories stored away in my archive—a recollection of an exciting trip to New York during the early 2000s. Of course, the Big Apple held a special place in his heart as one of his most beloved cities...
Starting from the day following the end of the Second World War, the Brussels-based musician helped elevate the status of the harmonica, an instrument that was scarcely considered more prestigious than the triangle at the time...
Exiting his flat on 69th Street to make his way towards the famed Blue Note At the jazz club where he performed two shows each night for a week, Thielemans hadn’t anticipated this extraordinary meeting. Climbing into the yellow taxi bound for downtown to The Village—a hub for nocturnal entertainment and various musical styles—he concentrated on preparing for his upcoming gigs; the initial one scheduled for 9 PM followed by another close to midnight. On my inaugural evening at the Blue Note, I invariably feel nervous. I worry that I might not live up to expectations! he confided to m e Looking into the rearview mirror, the taxi driver—who was also an aspiring musician—immediately identified his favorite artist.
Goodness me, Toots Thielemann is riding in my taxi! He exclaimed enthusiastically. Angelo couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing. Having been invited to attend Toots’ final performance in Manhattan, he warmly greeted the most renowned resident of Marolles before accompanying him into the small but legendary venue. As they entered, his eyes sparkled in the soft lighting where Toots sat elevated on a tall stool, smoothly transitioning through his classic repertoire. "Bluesette" To classic Brazilian bossa nova, and then to the theme from " Midnight Cowboy ".
Unconditional admiration
In the USA, many young adults grew up watching the television show "Sesame Street," where Toots sang the theme song, along with those influenced by various jazz legends who were his friends. Quincy Jone Those present at the front row (who were well-acquainted with him) recognized and valued the charisma and straightforwardness of Toots Thielemans. This charming grandfather figure inspired warmth and genuine respect wherever he traveled.
Previously, the harmonica was limited to lamenting melodies in traditional folk music or as an enhancing element in blues. This young man from the Marolles region, embraced by Uncle Sam, pulled off a clever trick. Due to his delicately nuanced playing style, the chromatic harmonica truly earned its name. For many years, the renowned maestro Quincy Jones, who produced some of the finest albums including, Michael Jackson However, being a musician himself, he regarded Toots as his top choice among artists from every genre, ranking him higher than even the most experienced guitarists and piano prodigies. This unwavering adoration both discomfited Toots and brought joy to his face. Do I truly have to be reminded of this again? he simply murmured laconically.
Spotlight: A Place for Toots
Before the whole profession acknowledged his genius, Toots fought hard to secure a spot under the limelight. During the 1930s, he stumbled upon an oddly-toned instrument at the movie theater, where he was captivated by the films playing. Larry Adler A persistent bronchial condition compelled him to abandon the harmonica and turn to the guitar instead. This naturally gifted, self-taught musician, who possessed remarkable hearing, acquired all the necessary skills through careful analysis of early recordings. Django Reinhardt .
A few years later, he chose to keep playing the strings of his guitar, once again savoring his beloved instrument. When I reached that point, I believed I had explored every opportunity available to me in Europe. Acting impulsively and not dwelling excessively on what lay ahead, I departed for the United States. At 29 years old, I resolved to begin anew entirely. While confident of possessing the attributes needed to succeed, I understood well enough that success wouldn’t come easily. Those initial months proved challenging indeed. Prior to being able to showcase my musical skills, I first had to reside there for half a year demonstrating my commitment to becoming an American citizen. Similar to numerous new arrivals, I earned my living through temporary work and sporadic employment at eateries. Yet, just like the lyrics suggest, I harbor no second thoughts. .
Toots passed away on August 22, 2016, and I plan to reserve some of the other stories he enjoyed telling for a future time.
(Stéphane Soupart - Image: © Etienne Tordoir)
Image: Toots Thielemans in his New York residence on 69th Street in June 2000