The Mickey Raphael Interview: 50 Years on Tour with Willie Nelson

I'm so lucky to hang out with harmonica legends as part of my job. Today I'm sitting down to interview Willie Nelson's longtime harmonica player and collaborator Mickey Raphael, to pick his brain on the magic melodies he makes with Willie.

Mickey Raphael is an American harmonica player best known for his long-standing role in Willie Nelson’s band, where his soulful, understated playing has been a signature part of Nelson’s sound since the early 1970s.

Born in Dallas, Texas, in 1951, Raphael discovered the harmonica as a teenager. His big break came in 1973 when he was invited to join Willie Nelson’s Family Band. What was supposed to be a short stint turned into a decades-long musical partnership, with Raphael becoming not just a sideman but a defining voice in Nelson’s recordings and live performances.

Beyond his work with Willie, Raphael has been an in-demand session player, contributing harmonica to albums by Emmylou Harris, Elton John, U2, Mötley Crüe, Kenny Chesney, Neil Young, and many others. His style is often praised for its restraint - he knows exactly when to let the harmonica cry, soar, or simply add a breath of atmosphere without overpowering the music.

I hope you've enjoyed my interview with Mickey Raphael!

If you've enjoyed this interview you might like my other interviews with harmonica legends, such as John Popper (Blues Traveler). You can find all of my interviews by clicking here.