‘LowRider’ is more than just an iconic song that has captured the sonic soul of hundreds of millions around the world since it was released in 1975. It’s an anthem about much more than the rather ingenious automotive creation known as a LowRider, though that alone is worth crooning about through catchy music and lyrics. The LowRider phenomenon is really about family, lifestyle, community, and a culture with ties that bring humanity together. It’s about the kind of free-wheeling, creative spirit that transports you to a place of positivity, believing, and unity.
Lee Oskar was deeply inspired to develop the LowRider Harmonica in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of this enduring hit song, which he and his original bandmates from WAR composed in 1975, and the unforgettable riff of which was composed by Lee on his harmonica.
This special commemorative harmonica represents the first major addition to the Lee Oskar Harmonicas system in more than forty years. We have developed a beautiful instrument that is fully compatible with our system of interchangeable and reusable reed plates, cover plates, and combs.
The LowRider has been manufactured in collaboration with Tombo Music Instruments with the same exacting standards, superior craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail as all harmonicas in the innovative Lee Oskar system, widely regarded as the industry’s gold standard.
We designed the LowRider Harmonica with a wider and more open cover plate which projects an alternative sound and musical feel—becoming our first-ever structural modification to a Lee Oskar Harmonica since the company was established in 1983.
With the LowRider, we have introduced a special limited edition gold model as well as one bearing a sleek chrome look, both fitting tributes to the legendary LowRider.
“In 1984, when I first started doing comedy and I was traveling, one of the radio stations played ‘Low Rider’ as my introduction. After that I used it to walk to the stage and it made me feel like home. Whenever I feel like I want to be home and whenever I feel homesick and I miss people that I used to listen to the music with, it is the music that brings me home.”
-George Lopez
Award-winning comedy icon, actor, philanthropist, and a Low Rider
Lee loves to connect with players and fans around the world who want to learn to play all kinds of music on the harmonica. Naturally, most people initially want to learn how to play ‘LowRider,’ so for this purpose, Lee has presented workshops at festivals in the USA and around the world to make it fun and easy for people to learn the tune.
In addition, Lee has developed online player education materials, including the tablature for LowRider, along with learning guides for all four of the models in the Lee Oskar Harmonicas system—featuring altered tunings to play many different musical styles and genres. Learn More
We encourage you to explore all of the musical possibilities through the world of Lee Oskar Harmonicas!
The Low Rider culture is more than just about an automobile. It's a state of mind: family, community, and culture. All that's positive about humanity.
Lee and George finally met when Lee & colleagues were accepting a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star, on the 50th Anniversary of ‘Low Rider.’
Lee Oskar and bandmates (from the previous band WAR) composed the song, ‘Low Rider,’ which was released in 1975.
‘Low Rider’ persists today in the fabric of American music history with its instantly recognizable hook line, which later became the theme song for ‘The George Lopez Show’ on network television.
