Dan Beaver was born in Michigan City Indiana. At a young age curious Beaver dug through his father’s drawer to find his first harp. This landed him in a lot of trouble but allowed him to experiment with it. He then became interested in Blues music, the music of The Doors, the band Treat Her Right, and basically any band with harmonica in it. He put the harmonica on hold for awhile until Actor Bruce Willis played the harmonica in commercials and inspired him. So right after high school Beaver then decided to brush up on the harmonica, thinking it would be a fun hobby and a way to attract girls. In 1990 on a trip to the Asthma doctor in Chicago, Beaver bought his own first harmonica.

Dan's first professional gig was at an African-American church along with his friend, Neil Singleton who played the guitar. After a few years of practicing and “messing around” with the harp, Beaver decided to get serious and visit blues clubs in Chicago. He participated in his first jam sessions at Rosa’s Lounge and Buddy Guy’s Legends. Dan played with guitarist Sam Good and many other musicians. He again took a short break from the harmonica and pursued acting, finding roles in a few movies, a commercial, and a television show. During this time he also worked as a bartender at a casino, before getting fired for playing his harmonica on the job.

In 2001 a friend introduced Beaver to guitarist John Primer. Primer hired Beaver to replace harp player Steve Bell son of blues great Carey Bell. Beaver has produced four of his own CDs titled, Good Days Bad Days, Blue Eyed Blues. Last Call, and The Goods. On these CDs he had the opportunity to play with outstanding musicians such as Sammy Fender, harmonica player Little Mac Simmons, the rhythm section of the Lonnie Brooks Band, and many Indiana musicians whom he started off his career with. Dan Beaver is proud to have had the chance to meet and play with many of the best harmonica players around. His favorites are (in no particular order): Billy Branch, Sugar Blue, Kim Wilson, Tad Robinson, James Cotton, and John Popper. He also is fond of Bass player Biscuit Miller for teaching him important performance techniques. Dan also played with John Primer and the Real Deal Blues Band at local clubs and on the road.

Playing with Primer has had a great impact on his career and taught him many things about the blues. In the future, Beaver sees himself continuing his music and getting back into acting.

Overall, harp player Dan Beaver finds it ironic that his fun hobby has given him a career and taken him all over the world. He hopes there are many more great opportunities down the road.

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