#78 JASON RICCI: PASSION, PAIN & THE PRICE OF FAME

"The things that normal people do to feel good, if you want to be excellent, you can't do that those things." Welcome Jason Ricci to The Mark Howley Show, a world renowned, legendary harmonica player based out of New Orleans. We discuss many topics on the podcast today including his rise to excellence, discovering his bisexuality among a hetero dominant music genre, a long road to sobriety, his passion for harm reduction within sober communities, and his unique life perspective. To mention just two of his many accolades. Ricci was named "Best Harmonica Player" at the 2010 Blues Music Awards. In February 2015, Ricci played at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Paul Shaffer Band, Tom Morello and Zac Brown to induct The Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Jason brings an authenticity that you don't find in many people and that on-fire contagious passion for music. STICK AROUND! Ricci performs a powerful "Prayer Song" at the end of our interview that was written by the Mardi Gras Indians to expressed their pain and celebration of being freed from slavery. Check out his website to see his 2025 touring schedule and more music. https://www.jasonriccimusic.com/