97 Year Old Ernest Mattson buys a harmonica at Groth Music

www.grothmusic...
Groth Music Video Conest Entry #4
www.grothmusic....

[@badbendblitz]

Ernie was my great grandpa. Brings a tear to my eye to see him in video again. Thank you.

[@ikkehierrro]

He brought me his wisdom and Joy today TY

[@mikehardy3823]

🤍🙏

[@nancygould9478]

So sorry for your loss friend. What a life, the things your Great Grandpa overcame in his life, strong for sure and man can he play the harp! Take care and I hope your heart finds joy in your memory of him🙏

[@waynecarter4153]

Very nice playing and thank you for sharing 💯👍👍💯😎

[@anthonyfontana4597]

😊

[@jcartner3530]

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....

[@ddt43]

He played for god all his life. Please don't anyone wait until you die to say hello to god.

[@nestoramado9680]

RIP to Ernie, honored man.

[@molotulo8808]

Bummer, I am saddened by his demise. I want to post this video of him playing the harmonica on my cd.

[@JohnViinalass-lc1ow]

for your god?!

[@alanhager1837]

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.

[@nobaloneymahoney7940]

I enjoyed this wholeheartedly ❤

[@molotulo8808]

I just subscribed. I'm a 65 year old musician with a music studio. At 60 years old, I decided that during my retirement, I wanted to start a recording studio. I want to record this gentleman somehow. I am going to put his playing on my cd of KZbin musicians. I won't rip him off, but I want to give him credit. If you can get hold of him, tell him about my KZbin channel so he can let me know if he does or doesn't want to be on it. He plays great, and I'm a musician who supports KZbin musicians. Thank you, and God bless. I will subscribe to this channel.

[@anthonymarquez2035]

Priceless!!!!👍😎

[@aartman2]

This soundtrack can be played through AI editing software apps to remove intrusive content...❤

[@lw4268]

I can only give this Gentleman a paltry portion of the respect he deserves. But he's got it all.

[@jamesa.rodriguez8598]

Bravo! Brother is playing both rhythm and lead, what sounds like simultaneously. I've been playing for the 38 yrs, Blues harp, and have yet to achieve that. Maybe, should God allow me to live to 97, I will accomplish that task. Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@ivansaric33]

Tongue blocking is the key to that full sound

[@gregorymosely3197]

Simply beyond human 😊

[@nelsonhibbert5267]

It's not the years, it's the hours. You haven't been practicing enough.

[@oogoldyooimvu2548]

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.

[@thomasbrooklyn1820]

Have to wonder why you think a person bringing good is so surprising.

[@oogoldyooimvu2548]

Do you not see the world as it is today? Full of negativity, greed, jealousy and destruction?

[@virginiaconnor8350]

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!

[@chuckmarmo6244]

Just found this in 2025. Someone with the modern software available today should be able to easily isolate and eliminate the intrusive background PA testing. I hope someone chooses to do so, as this talented man’s performance is a genuine example of folk music similar to performances captured by the professionals from Smithsonian Folkways throughout the mid-20th century. It deserves to be preserved and presented to future generations in the best quality possible.

[@molotulo8808]

I have a music studio, and I am compiling a collection of KZbin musicians on a cd (actually 2, so far). But I believe the background noise should be kept in. I'll do both. If you are interested, subscribe to my channel. It will take me a week or two. I'm going to start later today incase the video is gone.

[@roderickyoung1243]

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.

[@molotulo8808]

You are correct, sir.

[@molotulo8808]

Or mame.

[@tessiemae8569]

God bless this man. Such a talent. I thank whoever recorded this for posterity.

[@molotulo8808]

You know greatness when you hear it I'm 65, I hope I live as long as him. I have a music studio ans play many instruments,, one is harmonica. He rocks.

[@BV-co7hy]

The tone and timing are amazing 😊😢 God bless ✌️

[@Dave-wq6io]

Bought a tear to my eye listening to him speak and play they dont make them like this anymore I wish I new him

[@MrDkgio]

At first I couldn’t comprehend why it sounded so unusual, then I realised he accompanied himself on harmonica, playing the tune and the backing chords at the same time, he got skills…..

[@Robertt.Smithjr]

The way this gentleman play the harmonica and playing the two parts at the same time it's got me all struck I'm going to watch that again

[@kurtwaller3683]

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

[@charlesschoen482]

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.

[@avitarmagnus9090]

My gramps died today 97 and he played and introduced me !!!! God bless these old boys AMEN

[@jamesbranzei9143]

RIP. … 🫡

[@molotulo8808]

Sorry about your grandpa. Mine both died in the great war. Never met them. God bless.

[@simonandrews3466]

What a legend . Old boy can really play. Got his own style . Can’t replace age and experience

[@larrycroft6819]

Grandpa still had the music in him, more than I can say about a lot of these so call musicians today.

[@hypsnos]

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

[@v.m.h.8517]

🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@joesullivan3836]

I’m 69 and have been playing harmonica for a while now . This man is a total inspiration for me to keep playing and hoping to God that I will still be able to do what he is doing still as good as he’s doing THIRTY SEVEN YEARS FROM NOW !!!! 👍👍👍

[@twodogs2009]

Wow, rarely do we see such talent. RIP brother.

[@2fishes-q5h]

12 years ago at 97 years old, this old timers breathing control is unbelievable! Thnx4 sharing, very inspiring, from 71 year old guitar player struggling to keep playing... priceless!

[@kennyc388]

Wow, 97......still blowin the harp and still vertical! Hell yeah!

[@JoeLach]

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.

[@susandahlseide1438]

What a sweet man. I'm glad you didn't let those wicked people ruin your ambition!

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

👍👌👏 Oh WOW, simply fantastic! 88 years of experience let him sound as if he's playing 2 harmonicas. Quite impressive. Thanks a lot for recording, editing uploading and sharing. Best regards, luck and health in particular.

[@Wistbacka]

I did not know you could do melody and rhythm simultaneously on a harmonica.... Amazing! Amazing guy and amazing story

[@bRadicalmagic1]

This sweetheart makes me MISS my Grandfathers . . !

[@pietervanniekerk4453]

Reminds me of my late father , he played guitar , violin , accordion and mouth organ ... He used to wow us with his whistling too ... an excellent melodic voice too .... He had his own band , they were asked to play at my mother"s, sister's wedding . That is where he saw my mother for the first time ... three weeks later he started courting her . Never had eyes for another women even after my mother passed away.

[@Dan_Frechette_Songwriter]

That's my all time favorite style of harmonica playing. Mouth Organ!

[@DrewJacobson61]

I was a kid of maybe five years old when my dad bought me a harmonica. I learned quickly and we often played together. I lost my dad at 14. But hearing this guy play brings my father back. Thanks for this video ❤❤❤❤

[@werewindwolf]

RIP & Godspeed, ErnestJohn Mattson (10th May 1915 - 14th April 2013)

[@louisemanyd2462]

Harl Windwolf rip amazing soul

[@molotulo8808]

You are a handsome fellow. You are my new hero. I'm 65, and i pray to live as long as you. What's your secret? It has to be music. I have a music studio. I want to record a cd of you jaming, please. I play 3 harmonicas at a time. You are a better Harmonica player than me. I love the flat cap. I just posted a video of my Chinese singing balls. I will check all your videos. God bless.

[@williamthompson7334]

I noticed the shop went quiet when he was playing..loved it 😢

[@peaceloveartman]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@banjo2967]

How lucky this store was that this treasure stopped by. I feel lucky for stumbling upon the vid. Thanks.

[@chezruss]

I hope they gave him a good discount too as harmonicas have got so expensive since he bought his first one.

[@chrisjohnson4165]

Me too!

[@jimchumley6568]

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.

[@darrellblackwell6586]

God bless this old soul. Sounds like a great man, would love to sit and listen to his stories and hear his music.

[@MrMusicguyma]

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.

[@anyITsolution]

Thanks for them song names RIP Ernest!

[@pattystomper1]

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.

[@MeteCanKarahasan]

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.

[@wordreet]

What an amazing gentleman. Bless his memory. RIP. :'¬)

[@rickbergslien3000]

Shows you are never too old to enjoy life. KEEP GOING!!!!!!!!

[@stevenospam4216]

I can guess but really I don't know how he plays both parts like that. His story was a good one. Wish I coulda met him. Thanks for this video, Groth Music!

[@jawboneandjolenekenyon1398]

He makes old school look like new school! Bravo. I wonder if he's still around.

[@Gene_Cali]

Thank you Groth Music, we all have music inside of us, sharing is caring. :)

[@nautifella]

Great story. Well done sailor.

[@getreal1276]

A very Patriotic American Gentleman. Loved his Style. RIP.

[@TenCJones]

Wonderful. Thank God that was recorded.

[@shannontaylor345]

Wow i've never heard harmonica played so well. Up the Navy. R.I.P Ernie.

[@stevexray6253]

Oh my goodness he's great! That was 12 years ago so he's probably playing his mouth harps in heaven now. Rest in Peace sir and many thanks for your service. Much Respect!

[@littlesister3477]

LORD, TALK ABOUT DEDICATION TO HIS INSTRUMENT, THATS BEAUTIFUL HOW HE CAN PLAY BASS RHYTHM AND LEAD AT THE SAME TIME. WOW!

[@Ogsonofgroo]

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!

[@bungiroger8161]

From one orphan to another I give you Total respect sir. Thank you.

[@CornishPenguin]

Love to hear about old peoples lives. Many people today are so soft.

[@KenIn_NH]

Amazing! 2 key lessons here, music keeps you young at heart and once you learn an instrument, it will be your friend for life. Doesn't get better than that! RIP Sir in that big band in the sky. 👏👏👏🫡

[@johnoriordan5056]

God bless him , didn’t take no for an answer and showed us all a clever playing style there 🙏🏼

[@harpothehealer]

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

[@philjames1019]

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???

[@jameslebo6608]

After all this time this is still a great video. Just saw this for the first time. Huge respect for this man

[@bobm3393]

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 .

[@bettylinthorst8558]

Henk Linthorst This man should be honourd When you hear him playing you forget all the problems on earth

[@floydc3664]

Sounds like magic.... Beautiful

[@jerrykahler5586]

Reminds me of my dad playing thank you sir may you rest in peace .

[@catjudo1]

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.

[@carollamond9482]

God bless the music makers who lift the spirit and warm the cockles of your heart

[@alphabeets]

That was incredible! ❤❤ playing a sustained melody AND rhythmic chords. Not exactly easy.

[@matthiaspfisterer2066]

Wow. Is this the Merle Travis of the harmonica? Playing the melody and the harmonies, and not somehow alternating but really in parallel... what a stunning mastery. Didn´t even know you can do that.

[@bigfootbillunknown9511]

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.

[@kirkstewart-vf6hg]

Brings back memories of my father playing his harmonica . He would be 102 this august made it to 93.

[@gonzoexpress9885]

Genuine old world talent and decency. Great stuff from Ernie. God rest his soul. 🙏

[@ELECTRICEYE1776]

AMAZING STORY AND MAN

[@allywolf9182]

What an awesome old guy!!!

[@kevinbell8245]

I say god Bless him 👍🙏

[@rejeanbarrette3996]

Awesome, after watching him I dug up my harmonica which I hadn’t played in 30 years and brought back memories, I’m 74 years old, thank you 👍

[@BoneRun-j4l]

What a story, music got him through hard times and the Marine corp became his family...🇺🇸

[@justlookin56]

R.i.p Ernie good man and shore could play that harmonica love and light to you and many blessings in the afterlife 🙏🙏👏👏👏💐💐💐💐🍺🍺💞💖🫂

[@patrickcoughlin3564]

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

It was great that someone was filming fresh air as he approached the counter.

[@sherryab3964]

I'm just watching this now. Such a touching story. I'm actually watching this from Sweden.

[@arkaisk2]

Same here.

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

How does it sound in Sweden compared to the US any signal loss or about the same.

[@karenringer5995]

He was a brilliant musician .so lovely i stipped. And listend .

[@Blues-harmonica]

Thanks to Harpmaster oldstyle Ernest Mattson. Admiration and respect. Thank you Sir

[@galegregory341]

Oh man that was great I wish you could have him on play again

[@TheSolsonia2003]

I Love you Dearly beautiful sir .. ✨💝✨

[@Procedentesinvictoria]

His harmonica playing is wonderful! What a precious gentleman! I hope to accompany him on the piano or mandolin in heaven!

[@albertbeaney2580]

God bless you, sir

[@dandaniels851]

Thank you both kindly 🙏🏻

[@jeffhill5843]

incredible technique , unique

[@graveyardelf6765]

I hope to meet you in the Kingdom, Mr. Mattson. God keep you.

[@johannesbusch8161]

Hi Ernest, hope you're still up and well! Thx for your story and the fine music!

[@TheLenaweeTrekker]

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.

[@standswithfish]

Takes me back when my dad would play at bedtime. Still have two that he bought me 40 years ago. Thanks for sharing!

[@PeteMason-e2s]

So sad that you went through a none loving childhood. 😢 you are much stronger now. May your God's blessings be upon you ❤

[@SisterSis-w8m]

A Truly Inspirational Great GranPa. I have adopted him as My 'Ole Man GranPa' too !!! HALAYLUYAH GLORY2GOD AMEN

[@silkmagictricks]

A great story teller and an even better harmonica player. What a treat!

[@vegar6013]

A golden medal for this tiger. This is the kind of people we need in this world.

[@cobraferrariwars]

God blessed him with talent, good neighbor boys and Faith. God is blessing him now and he is with his parents.

[@mattaparicio571]

This Guy is my hero 🎶🐊🎷🎵💯

[@sizzlechooch]

Dang, he had the melody and rhythm both going at the same time. Lot harder than it sounds.

[@w13rdguy]

joe pish True; That guy is a wizard!

[@davesalisbury7361]

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]

You don't hear this style at all currently. Great!

[@sizzlechooch]

@@JimPlattes I gues not. Sounded pretty good tho

[@allanbird4570]

@@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 :)

[@robertking3130]

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.

[@Tiawoodman2024]

Thank jeez this was recorded.

[@GIBLETTS]

Great Guy , Wonderfull,

[@ShermanSafewright-b6x]

Ernest is the last of The Greatest Generation. My father was around the same age. These guys ran to war, had a love for American life and would die for it, no questions asked! I know Ernie is with our lord and savior. Thanks for this video.