For those of you who have put up negative comments about the people talking in the background...This dear man came in for a video contest without anyone to film his video. The staff at the store accommodated him by filming this video for him, while other customers went about their business, including some that were testing PA in the background. It's a 20,000 square foot music store and, yes, a few things were going on in the background. It's just fortunate that this video was captured, as it is one of the only available of this treasure of a good man. RIP, Earnest. Thank you for sharing your stories and your music.
Ernie Mattson passed away 10 months after this video was posted. According to the obituary guest book, he was loved and cherished by all who were in his presence. Now he plays a golden harmonica for God....
What a great old gentleman. Started the hard way, then served his country, and still has the ability to bring something good to those around him. This man deserves to always be remembered.
I just wanted to make this veteran happy! Even Cdr. Trip Tucker on "Enterprise" plays a harmonica! He even gave it to a man on a planet to borrow his horse. Hope the others on his deck weren't too displeased! My brother's a Navy veteran too. Thank you for your service, Ernst!
Astounding. The story is worth as much as the music, which is already impressive. Orphaned, yet still made it so far. I see why they call it the Greatest Generation. He only mentioned in passing that he was in the Navy, but it's because of the service of guys like this, that we enjoy most of the good things we have today.
This old mans heart knows it all now, and he doesn't let him self be botherd by the the young peoples unconsious disrespect or hurry. He managed to fall back into the good old days like he saw it before his eyes, and felt the smell, heard the sound. Thank you old man. May peace be with you
This is history! I have been playing 35 yrs and im 58. Love this mans style. Very neat event going on here, from another era completely. Was very blessed by this.
Ernest was playing "Anchors Aweigh" and "Marine's Hymn" quite well, using "tongue blocking", which allows notes on the right and left sides of the tongue to sound at the same time. The tongue blocks the middle notes, sounding like two harmonicas at once. Great job. Neat.
I've never tried "Tongue Blocking" before, so I grabbed my harmonica and began getting silly, slobbering all over it with my tongue. I'm laughing my ass off, but it works.
The man may be old, but what he played there gave a glimpse of his youth. What a harmonica player he must have been! He played with vigor few young harmonica players now possess.
Really?!? Dislikes on this incredible survivor's story and playing? Some are so frikken dense as to be useless to earth imho. What a gem, it's 2018 now, and I doubt Ernest is still around but I am sure he is remembered by many, many people. thanks for the vid!
That is so cool. What he is doing is very difficult to do. Especially playing a two part, through an entire song and then backing it up with another one! That is absolutely amazing.
He reminds me of my late grandfather who was self-taught on fretted string instruments (guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, things like that) and played in Swing bands before the war (WWII). After the war he played some, but focused his efforts on graphic arts and design for a printing company and as husband and father to his wife and daughter. I'll just bet that Mr. Mattson would be a treasure trove of stories, just like my grandfather, who passed away in 05 at the age of 91.
May God Bless you friend. And my blessings (as an ex service guy ), and limey, to you, your family, comrades, and loved ones, peace, be good, be kind, be happy, be loved. .......
I read in the comments below that this Gentleman has now passed. Well this clip Iv'e just found today in 2019. A true inspiration and I figure that if he made it through to 97 the store I hope gave him at least one free harp. I agree with other comments below, I feel blessed to have found this. Age is just a thing we all have to deal with but once the player plays shut your eyes and we all into our prime again; in the moment
That is something I noticed and thought how the hell does he do that. Besides the fact he is really talented and a great pair of lungs to play it like he does.
@@JimPlattes its interesting to me as well, I am now 90 yrs, and this is the way we learned to play popular music, and its still how I play for relaxation, its not dificult, just takes practise :)
Pear amazing at 98. Ser, you rocked it out of the park in to the swing days and hit that one on the head. Good for you. It was pear joy lissioning to you. Thank you so much ser.
I've seen people in their 40's that aren't as healthy as this 97 year old was. He looked great. He played really good or great for a 97 year old man. I have to disagree with the 40 people (or bots) that disliked this and give it a like.
It would have been nice to meet him. Maybe we will in another time and place. For those who have put their lives on the line in respect please listen to Up Here In Heaven
I've played a variety of musical instruments from age 6-years until now (51-years), and the most I could ever figure out how to get from a harmonica was a donkey-sounding "hee-haw". This was such a treat to watch & listen to. Thank you post posting this! :)
A pity his friends didn't give the rattle snakes to the old witch; but had they done so this man's talent may have remained dormant. Thank you Mr. Mattson.
What a miraculous Time Machine this video is. He really plays harp like you would hear on a 1920s record with the whop whop sound and straight not cross harp. He sounds like Woody
For those of you who have put up negative comments about the people talking in the background...This dear man came in for a video contest without anyone to film his video. The staff at the store accommodated him by filming this video for him, while other customers went about their business, including some that were testing PA in the background. It's a 20,000 square foot music store and, yes, a few things were going on in the background. It's just fortunate that this video was captured, as it is one of the only available of this treasure of a good man. RIP, Earnest. Thank you for sharing your stories and your music.
I can only give this Gentleman a paltry portion of the respect he deserves. But he's got it all.
Ernie Mattson passed away 10 months after this video was posted. According to the obituary guest book, he was loved and cherished by all who were in his presence. Now he plays a golden harmonica for God....
I was having a bad day today until I came across this man 97 years old he's a United States Treasury that's all I can say more power to you my friend
What a great old gentleman. Started the hard way, then served his country, and still has the ability to bring something good to those around him. This man deserves to always be remembered.
Have to wonder why you think a person bringing good is so surprising.
Do you not see the world as it is today? Full of negativity, greed, jealousy and destruction?
I just wanted to make this veteran happy! Even Cdr. Trip Tucker on "Enterprise" plays a harmonica! He even gave it to a man on a planet to borrow his horse. Hope the others on his deck weren't too displeased! My brother's a Navy veteran too. Thank you for your service, Ernst!
Ernie was my great grandpa. Brings a tear to my eye to see him in video again. Thank you.
God bless this man. Such a talent. I thank whoever recorded this for posterity.
This man reminds me to be grateful,for many things,,they told me to play drums--rattlers--ect!!,,,play to live-in and live to play,,God bless ya
Astounding. The story is worth as much as the music, which is already impressive. Orphaned, yet still made it so far. I see why they call it the Greatest Generation. He only mentioned in passing that he was in the Navy, but it's because of the service of guys like this, that we enjoy most of the good things we have today.
Ernie would play Silver Wings with the band when we played at the Eagles. People loved his playing and his love of country. Rest in Peace brother.
My gramps died today 97 and he played and introduced me !!!! God bless these old boys AMEN
Wow, 97......still blowin the harp and still vertical! Hell yeah!
I did not know you could do melody and rhythm simultaneously on a harmonica.... Amazing! Amazing guy and amazing story
This sweetheart makes me MISS my Grandfathers . . !
RIP & Godspeed, ErnestJohn Mattson (10th May 1915 - 14th April 2013)
Harl Windwolf rip amazing soul
That's my all time favorite style of harmonica playing. Mouth Organ!
What a legend . Old boy can really play. Got his own style . Can’t replace age and experience
How lucky this store was that this treasure stopped by. I feel lucky for stumbling upon the vid. Thanks.
I hope they gave him a good discount too as harmonicas have got so expensive since he bought his first one.
Me too!
This old mans heart knows it all now, and he doesn't let him self be botherd by the the young peoples unconsious disrespect or hurry. He managed to fall back into the good old days like he saw it before his eyes, and felt the smell, heard the sound. Thank you old man. May peace be with you
🧡🧡🧡🧡
This is history! I have been playing 35 yrs and im 58. Love this mans style. Very neat event going on here, from another era completely. Was very blessed by this.
From one orphan to another I give you Total respect sir. Thank you.
God bless this old soul. Sounds like a great man, would love to sit and listen to his stories and hear his music.
Ernest was playing "Anchors Aweigh" and "Marine's Hymn" quite well, using "tongue blocking", which allows notes on the right and left sides of the tongue to sound at the same time. The tongue blocks the middle notes, sounding like two harmonicas at once. Great job. Neat.
Thanks for them song names RIP Ernest!
I've never tried "Tongue Blocking" before, so I grabbed my harmonica and began getting silly, slobbering all over it with my tongue. I'm laughing my ass off, but it works.
The man may be old, but what he played there gave a glimpse of his youth. What a harmonica player he must have been! He played with vigor few young harmonica players now possess.
My dad use to play both those songs on his harmonica when i was just a little boy . Thank you for bringing back beautiful memories .
Really?!? Dislikes on this incredible survivor's story and playing? Some are so frikken dense as to be useless to earth imho.
What a gem, it's 2018 now, and I doubt Ernest is still around but I am sure he is remembered by many, many people.
thanks for the vid!
That is so cool. What he is doing is very difficult to do. Especially playing a two part, through an entire song and then backing it up with another one! That is absolutely amazing.
What an amazing gentleman. Bless his memory. RIP. :'¬)
Thanks to Harpmaster oldstyle Ernest Mattson. Admiration and respect. Thank you Sir
A great story teller and an even better harmonica player. What a treat!
Oh man that was great I wish you could have him on play again
A true professional! Enjoyed your style of playing. Rest in peace my friend.....
Thats true talant right there. This old boy doesn't need drums, he gave to music rhythm. Wonderful stuff:)
God bless this man and the wonderful life he lives,thanks for posting this.
Thank you Groth Music, we all have music inside of us, sharing is caring. :)
What a sweet man. I'm glad you didn't let those wicked people ruin your ambition!
Takes me back when my dad would play at bedtime. Still have two that he bought me 40 years ago. Thanks for sharing!
He reminds me of my late grandfather who was self-taught on fretted string instruments (guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, things like that) and played in Swing bands before the war (WWII). After the war he played some, but focused his efforts on graphic arts and design for a printing company and as husband and father to his wife and daughter. I'll just bet that Mr. Mattson would be a treasure trove of stories, just like my grandfather, who passed away in 05 at the age of 91.
May God Bless you friend. And my blessings (as an ex service guy ), and limey, to you, your family, comrades, and loved ones, peace, be good, be kind, be happy, be loved. .......
What a lovely gentleman ..... may he be resting in peace!!! It would have been a nice gesture if the store had "given" him the harmonica???
Thank you, I wish you the best wherever you may be now Ernie!
I read in the comments below that this Gentleman has now passed. Well this clip Iv'e just found today in 2019. A true inspiration and I figure that if he made it through to 97 the store I hope gave him at least one free harp. I agree with other comments below, I feel blessed to have found this.
Age is just a thing we all have to deal with but once the player plays shut your eyes and we all into our prime again; in the moment
Dang, he had the melody and rhythm both going at the same time. Lot harder than it sounds.
joe pish True; That guy is a wizard!
That is something I noticed and thought how the hell does he do that. Besides the fact he is really talented and a great pair of lungs to play it like he does.
You don't hear this style at all currently. Great!
@@JimPlattes I gues not. Sounded pretty good tho
@@JimPlattes its interesting to me as well, I am now 90 yrs, and this is the way we learned to play popular music, and its still how I play for relaxation, its not dificult, just takes practise :)
Playing harmonica at this age! Can't imagine . Thnx for the video.
Great - a heartwarming story, and fine playing from Ernie. Hope he's still blowing!
www.startribune.com/obituary-ernest-mattson-pearl-harbor-survivor-harmonica-player/203510651/
survived by 35 great grandchildren -- wow!
BrendanPowerMusic
Henk Linthorst This man should be honourd When you hear him playing you forget all the problems on earth
It was great that someone was filming fresh air as he approached the counter.
Pear amazing at 98. Ser, you rocked it out of the park in to the swing days and hit that one on the head. Good for you. It was pear joy lissioning to you. Thank you so much ser.
Hi Ernest, hope you're still up and well! Thx for your story and the fine music!
I hope to meet you in the Kingdom, Mr. Mattson. God keep you.
Awesome..thanks for playing for us.
97 years old? I hope I can play that well when I'm 97 years old. Great video, a lot of history and talent here.
bless you!!! old time music. God loves harmonica players!!! Me too
Just AMAZING!! It just goes to show that you can be great at any age!
Impressive ! A lot to learn for all of us......music has no boundaries ! And some people can take on the challenge ....nearing a century too !
My God, I'm glad I stumbled upon this. Best I've ever heard!!!!
He makes old school look like new school! Bravo. I wonder if he's still around.
This man is a hero, sir you are awesome and inspiring. So glad to have heard you ! Play on !
I've seen people in their 40's that aren't as healthy as this 97 year old was. He looked great. He played really good or great for a 97 year old man. I have to disagree with the 40 people (or bots) that disliked this and give it a like.
It is we who thank you , Ernest....
BRAVO BRAVO Formidable , Exellente interprétation!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, sad and yet awesome story at the same time. Great playing.
LORD, TALK ABOUT DEDICATION TO HIS INSTRUMENT, THATS BEAUTIFUL HOW HE CAN PLAY BASS RHYTHM AND LEAD AT THE SAME TIME. WOW!
What a wonderful video. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you Sr for sharing part of your memoirs and your great ability with the harmonica.
They should have just given it to him.
YES
This is still one of the best things on TH-cam,
Cool!!! My dad could play like that. I loved listening to him play on his Hohner Comet.
It would have been nice to meet him. Maybe we will in another time and place. For those who have put their lives on the line in respect please listen to Up Here In Heaven
I've played a variety of musical instruments from age 6-years until now (51-years), and the most I could ever figure out how to get from a harmonica was a donkey-sounding "hee-haw". This was such a treat to watch & listen to. Thank you post posting this! :)
Beautiful story, God bless you!
I agree, what a great guy. Thanks Ernie.
God Bless the ole gent. Awesome!
Loved to hear his story and his playing too!!
What a joy to listen. Thanks
A pity his friends didn't give the rattle snakes to the old witch; but had they done so this man's talent may have remained dormant. Thank you Mr. Mattson.
Great story and great playing.
WOW! I have to share this video on FB with my Marine and Navy (Corpsmen) brothers. Thanks!
how amazing at 97yrs he does miss a beat!
Very good playing. Sounded as an accordion
God bless you sir from 🇬🇧
Wonderful job. I hope he is doing well also.
Stick it Groth! That's for the mike test. Good for Ernie!
What a miraculous Time Machine this video is. He really plays harp like you would hear on a 1920s record with the whop whop sound and straight not cross harp. He sounds like Woody
88 years playing this instrument, wow!
Still amazing, all this time later, it is 10, 22😎👍
I feel honored. Thanks
As much as I like Blues harp, I do love this more traditional harmonica style as well.
Amazing Man and Great Harp player!!!
Brilliant Ernest god bless you
WOW! Impressive! Difficult technique! I want to see more!
proud of you Ernest exellent vamping an insperation
Fantastic. I want to learn that hard style
Thats inspired me to learn that style of harp. Thanks nan.
God Bless him! Dude's got some CHOPS!!!!
What an awesome old guy!!!
Pops is probably gone now but he could play !
Awesome i am stiil hoping i can learn to play . I am 1012 years old
What a gem! Salute.
Semper Fi Ernest. Thank you!
Bless you my friend,you are oviously a PATRIOT.Anchors Aweigh and the Marine corps hymn.🗽🗽🗽⚓⚓⚓