A Hohner Marine Band harmonica, key of F, used by Junior Wells (1934-1998) and given to an Australian fan.

As noted in the accompanying letter of authenticity from Terrence McRann, ‘In 1972, a group of us held a lunch [in Melbourne] for Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Phil Guy and Roosevelt Shaw…During the afternoon I asked Junior if he had a harp that was no longer of use to him.  He responded by saying he would give me one the next night at the concert. This he did, signing the box…Below is a photograph of Buddy Guy and Junior at our lunch.’ [McRann is to the right of Guy and Wells.]

McRann elaborates ‘In the mid 1960’s I had an interest in all music, blues artists prominently among them.  I had recordings by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Big Bill Broonzy, Lightning Hopkins and others, prominent at the time.  I lived in the UK, but I knew a girl whose brother was a seaman, visiting America frequently.  He brought back records by Junior Parker on the Sun Label, Chess and Checker recordings by Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter and Bo Diddley.  He introduced me to Roy Brown and Wynonie Harris.  Eventually I did my own importing.’

McRann emigrated to Melbourne, Australia in the mid 1960s, but maintained his enthusiasm for the blues and meeting artists.  In addition to this harmonica, McRann sold us a harmonica he received from Sonny Boy Williamson II, and guitar picks he was given by Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, B.B. King, Buddy Guy,and Sammy Lawhorne. In most cases, he included photographs of himself posing with the artists, or backstage photos he’d taken.  For reference here, we’ve included photos of McRann with Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, and Bo Diddley and bandmate Cookie Vee.

With Terrence McRann’s letter of authenticity, Recordmecca’s written lifetime guarantee of authenticity, and a copy of the photograph of McRann with Junior Wells and Buddy Guy.