"If history is important for the future of life, then the preservation of the blues makes that a reality. Society needs real music, and the blues is real music. It’s like chicken soup for soul."

Zac Harmon:

Floreada’s Boy Plays The Blues

Catfood Records will be released the new album from Texas-based award-winning blues singer and guitarist Zac Harmon, titled Floreada’s Boy (Catfood/August 1^st) was produced by Christopher Troy and Zac Harmon and contains 12 songs. The players include Zac’s core band, The Drive, plus special guests including SueAnn Carwell on lead and background vocals; The Texas Horns and guitarist Caleb Quaye. “Floreada’s Boy is a reflection of my 50 years of musical performance: from the juke joints of Mississippi to stages all over the world. Not bad for an old country boy,” says Zac Harmon about the new album. Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Zac Harmon is a true embodiment of the music that emanated from the city’s historic Farish Street district, home of blues legend Elmore James. Given that Zac was exposed to a lot of music in his home, neighborhood, and local culture, it’s not surprising that he turned out a blues musician. His mom played piano, and his dad, the city’s first state registered black pharmacist, played harmonica and tended to the needs of artists such as Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Ike and Tina Turner, Albert King, and Little Milton.

(Zac Harmon / Photo by Darren Carroll)

Zac started his professional career at age 16, playing guitar with Sam Myers, a friend of his father’s. Two years later he was playing with Dorothy Moore, Z.Z. Hill and other well-known blues artists who were passing through on regional tours.  At age 21, he moved to Los Angeles and worked as a studio musician at first, eventually establishing a very successful career as a songwriter and producer. Zac worked on major films, television shows and well-known national commercials, even being hired at one point by Michael Jackson as a staff writer for his publishing company, ATV Music. Harmon wrote songs for the likes of Troop, Karyn White, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Freddie Jackson, The Whispers and The O’Jays, among others. He also produced songs for reggae band Black Uhuru’s Grammy-nominated Mystical Truth album in 1994.

Interview by Michael Limnios                 Archive: Zac Harmon, 2021 Interview

Special Thanks: Zac Harmon & Mark Pucci Media 

Why do you think that Zac Harmon’s music legacy continues to generate such a devoted following, 50 years from the juke joints of Mississippi to stages all over the world?

Well, my music is real. It is from the soul and as a result it connects to the soul. It’s like a charging station for an electric car. People hook up to the music and they are charged for another day in life.

Is there a message you are trying to convey with your songs/music? What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

As always, I try and write music that meets the listener wherever they are in life regardless of the circumstances. Each song stands alone and speaks to people dealing with the issues of the song. Skill is the ability to execute on a high level but does not necessarily have anything to do with soul or emotion. For example, there are musicians that I love for their superior ability on their instruments, but it only entertains the eye and ears, but not necessarily the heart and soul. On the other hand, there are musicians that are not very skilled musical technicians but their music speaks directly to the heart and soul. For example, John Lee Hooker.

Currently you’ve one more release with Catfood Records, The Drive, and Texas Horns. How did that relationship come about? Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album “Floreada’s Boy”?

The Drive is my current band. I met these guys while visiting a club in Dallas Texas. They are young, talented musicians that help push me musically. They now have become my touring band. I met the Texas Horns while touring in Scandinavia. We had a chance to play together, and it was magic. So, when I was recording my new cd, I called up Kaz and asked if they would play on my record and he agreed. The result speaks for itself.

"Well, my music is real. It is from the soul and as a result it connects to the soul. It’s like a charging station for an electric car. People hook up to the music and they are charged for another day in life." (Photo: Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Zac Harmon is a true embodiment of the music that emanated from the city’s historic Farish Street district, home of blues legend Elmore James)

What has made you laugh from your childhood years in Jackson, MS; and what touched you from the “Babe’s and Ricky’s Inn” (the oldest blues club in LA) and its owner, Laura Mae Gross?

My childhood years in Jackson were great. Even though I was surrounded by political turmoil, my parents did a great job of making me who I am today. Always when I am performing one of the traditional blues songs from Mississippi, I now understand the true meaning of the lyrics and it always makes me laugh. It puts me in touch with what my parents were feeling when they heard these songs. Babe and Ricky’s Inn was home away from home and Laura Mae Gross was like a second Momma. It was the only place in Los Angeles that made me feel like I was in Mississippi.

What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome as a person and as artist and has this helped you become a better blues musician?

Oh, that is a tough one. I guess the hardest obstacle is balancing survival and musical integrity. It’s very tough to play the music that you truly love and make a living. Many try but few succeed.

Do you think there is an audience for blues/soul music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?

As long as the blues is real and not contrived, there is an audience. Also, things go in cycles. The young folks will be back to the blues bigger than ever in the coming years because of a thirst for something real.

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music in today’s society?

If history is important for the future of life, then the preservation of the blues makes that a reality. Society needs real music, and the blues is real music. It’s like chicken soup for soul.

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(Zac Harmon / Photo by Darren Carroll)