Harp

While the chief jazz harpist is Dorothy Ashby, the great popular harpist is Robert Maxwell. Another very famous performer (radio, television shows, motion pictures, etc.) was Verlye Mills, who recorded enduring music in varied styles at various times. Historically most harpists have been women, and the instrument has never been assured of a place even in the wings of most orchestras. There are a few pop records featuring harp as a solo instrument, as well as several "swing harp" records in the jazz field. Even the most strictly "pop" albums tend to rely on stellar jazz musicians.

Harpo Marx recorded several albums with the help of Fred Katz and his son Bill, a student at Juillard at the time of Harpo in Hi-Fi. Harpo has been dismissed as a self-taught amateur, but the fact is his records are works of extraordinary passion, unorthodox technique, and palatable romanticism.

Buying: Most of Maxwell's pop albums are essential. See jazz listings for more by the ladies of swing harp, including the legendary Afro Harping.