Club Dates

New England Music Hall of Fame

Congratulations to 2025 NEMHOF inductee Professor Harp! Born Hugh Holmes in Boston 1951, he was exposed to rock, blues and R&B from a young age. He loved the music of Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Elvis & Jerry Lee Lewis. As he grew a little older he was very attracted to the British Invasion bands, which led him to discover all their heroes, bluesmen Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters & B.B. King. In the mid 60’s Hugh was first a drummer, playing in rock & roll bands, and at age 18 he was drawn to the blues and developing a black awareness. A PBS show called Mixed Bag that he regularly watched would show J. Geils one week, Muddy Waters the next, showcasing the harmonica which thrilled him. An episode of Big Mama Thornton with George “Harmonica” Smith sealed the deal for him and he was hooked. One day in 1969 while attending a Boston Blues revival; a performance by George “harmonica” Smith had him rethinking what instrument he would rather play.

Hugh began perfecting his craft and played at many clubs around the Boston area throughout the 70’s. He specializes in what he calls”roots music” a no nonsense, no frills, Texas style blues. His playing got the attention of Muddy Waters, when attending one of his gigs, Hugh met Muddy pre-show and played him some music on the harp. Muddy invited him onstage to play some songs, and this boosted his career. After that show, he would play with Muddy whenever he was in town, as well as other artists Solomon Burke & Luther “guitar Jr.” Johnson.

Muddy would call him ‘Hugh the professor of the harp” & Solomon called him Professor harmonica Holmes, so Hugh decided to combine these 2 monikers from his mentors and created the name Professor Harp. Besides Muddy & George Smith, Professor Harp is influenced by vocalist Magic Sam & harp players Little Walters & Big Walter. Hugh has released some music over the years & he continues to play around the Boston area. You can follow him on facebook, I will include his link and you can see him at the award ceremony on Saturday February 15th at The Vault in New Bedford, MA.
–Written by Detroit Debbie Roszkowski

Here is a link for info & tickets: https://www.facebook.com/events/1095962028762578