Born November 28th 1928 in Winona, Mississippi, Little Sammy Davis is a veteran harp blower with a discography dating back to 1952 and a fine '90s debut album on Delmark, 1 Ain't Lyin'. Davis learned his way around a harmonica at age eight, quickly leaning to play john Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson tunes note for note, nuance for nuance, thusly earning far more on the local street comer than he could earn sawing logs or plowing behind a mule. He eventually exited Mississippi for Florida, where he worked in the orange groves and met immaculate guitarist Earl Hooker. Davis cut four sides in 1952 for Henry Stone's Rockin' label in Miami as Little Sam Davis (with Hooker providing classy accompaniment). Sammy and Earl toured together as the Roadmasters for over 12 years and at one time for a few months had Albert King and lke Tuner in the band. He visited Chicago in 1953, hanging out with harp geniuses Little Walter, jimmy Reed, and Muddy Waters.

Other than a 45 for Pete Lowry's Trix logo, and playing harp on a few Eddie Kirkland records, things were pretty quiet for the hero until 1993, when he joined forces with guitarist Fred Scribner and got back into playing. He became a favorite guest of popular New York morning radio personality Don lmus, had his own band, and an album on the shelves, and hopefully, nobody mistook him for another diminutively proportioned entertainer by the same name.

At the Time of this writing Sammy is the lead vocalist and harp player for Rock & Roll hall of Famer Levon Helm of The Band. He will be backed up at The Honesdale Roots & Rhythm Music & Arts Festival by The Rocketmen who are also appearing on the Main Stage doing their own not to be missed set.