Biography

One of the most versatile harpists in contemporary music Norton Buffalo earned his greatest success in blues circles but also proved himself adept in areas ranging from rock to country to even new age Born September 28 1951 in Oakland California he earned perhaps his greatest success as a member of the Steve Miller Band a position he held for over two decades beginning in the mid-1970s as a session player Buffalo also lent his harmonica skills to records from performers including the Doobie Brothers Bonnie Raitt Johnny Cash and Elvin Bishop He issued his solo debut Lovin in the Valley of the Moon on Capitol in 1977 followed a year later by Desert Horizon After spending the 1980s primarily as a sideman Buffalo teamed with blues slide guitarist Roy Rogers in 1991 for RB which earned a Grammy nomination for the track Song for Jessica the duos follow-up Travellin Tracks appeared a year later Additionally Buffalo led his own band the Knockouts Jason Ankeny All Music Guide