Country music legend Willie Nelson has trusted Mickey Raphael to blow the harmonica for him.
In fact, Mickey Raphael’s association with Nelson dates to the early 1970s.
“I’m a fan of his, so it’s just a real pleasure and privilege to play with him,” said Raphael, a Texas native. “He’s a great guitar player.”
Raphael, 63, once again joins the famous singer-songwriter at 8 p.m. Sept. 18 in The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, Hammond.
The Willie Nelson concert will, of course, feature the type of honky-tonk, outlaw genre Nelson’s fans have come to expect.
“Willie always opens up the show with ‘Whiskey River,'” said Raphael, who now calls Nashville, Tenn., home.
At Raphael’s disposal on the road are a substantial number of harmonicas in different keys.
“They’re tuned in a particular key; you have to be prepared to play in any key,” Raphael said in a recent phone interview. “There’s 12 keys in music.”
Heavily influenced by blues great Paul Butterfield, the harp player has provided stable musical support for the artist responsible for “On the Road Again” and “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.”
According to Raphael’s website biography, he first hooked up with Nelson 42 years ago at an informal jam session at a Dallas hotel that included country music standout Charley Pride.
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Raphael has gone on to play harmonica for notable artists including Neil Young, U2 and Emmy Lou Harris.
He dished onstage notes for pop music titan Paul Simon in Nashville. And that’s Raphael wailing on the harmonica for “Smokin’ in the Boys Room” — a 1985 hit for Motley Crue.
He also was a guest artist on Elton John’s 1981 album, “The Fox.”
In 1988, Raphael issued his first solo project, “Hand to Mouth” — an album with a variety of instrumental tracks.
He has fashioned a long, solid career with an unassuming and oh-so portable instrument that is tricky to master, but — at the same time — ranks as an accessible music maker for the everyman.
“It’s such a personal instrument,” Raphael said. “It’s a very soulful instrument. You can really get mournful. It’s controlled by your breathing. You’re breathing into this thing. It becomes an extension of your body. It shows a lot of expression.”
Raphael humorously recalled the time when he tried to shift gears a bit by introducing his accordion talents to Nelson’s band, but diplomatically was rebuffed by his boss.
Raphael said he works for a “very generous” guy.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
Willie Nelson
Where: The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Drive, Hammond
When: 8 p.m. Sept. 18
Tickets: $54 and $79; must be at least 21 years old to attend
Information: 219-473-7000 or www.caesars.com/horseshoe-hammond