Episode 25 with Mickey Raphael (Willie Nelson)

How do you land a gig with one of the icons of American music and keep it for 45 years? Ask todays guest- Mickey Raphael. Unless your name is Keith Richards,  I don’t know anyone who has had a gig for as long as he has, much less on harmonica. Mickey is one of the best harmonica players on the scene and has been a member of Willie Nelson’s band for over 4 decades. Besides all the great gigs with Willie, along the way he also recorded and performed with most of the greats- I’m talking about Neil Young, Leon Russell, Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and it goes on and on. 

In the interview we discuss his early years, how he landed the gig with Willie Nelson, recording on legendary records such as “Red Headed Stranger”,  "Stardust" and "Teatro", how he got the gig with Willie, Miles Davis stories, a funny Willie/ Hells Angels story, his influences, session work, working with Daniel Lanois, solo records, some jamming here and there and much more. 

Recorded Jan. 2018  at Mickey’s home, Nashville TN.

Mickey's website   http://www.mickeyraphael.com/

Mickey's Solo record- "Hand to Mouth" 

Om Podcasten

The Riff Raff started as an idea I had a few years ago just to sit and chat with my friends whom I consider to be inspirational to me in some way- whether it be as a musician, artist or whatever the case may be. Over the years, as a working musician, I’ve been lucky to work with many amazing people and musicians and would like to share some of their stories with you. I’m a professional musician. I like stories. I mean... I REALLY like stories. Oh, and I love jokes too. Luckily, I work with some of the best in the business, and they happen to have great stories (and usually great jokes as well). Anyway, i want to put these stories down for people to enjoy - it’s fun. Some people like to garden, or take photos, or collect magnets for the fridge… but me? I like to get these stories down for all to enjoy! So this is a podcast about the creative process and, yes, being a guitar player, we do occasionally talk shop, gear, etc., but I’m not going to limit it to that as I get this thing going. Oh yeah, we jam a bit too!