Johnny Puleo

Who was Johnny Puleo?

Johnny Puleo was an American musician and actor, who specialized in playing the harmonica.

Born a dwarf in Washington, DC, he worked as a newspaper seller until being discovered at a contest in Boston held by bandleader Borrah Minnevitch, of The Harmonica Rascals. Soon he joined a comedy variety act, during which time he learned the art of pantomime that has contributed so much to his success. He then joined the Rascals, with whom he toured the world.

In 1941 Johnny tried to leave the Rascals and start his own group. The entire new group moved in with Johnny's parents, living and rehearsing in the basement. It did not last long, though, because Borrah Minevitch found them and got them working for him again.

After Minevitch's death in 1955, Puleo formed his own band, The Harmonica Gang. He recorded various albums with the Gang and solo on the Audio Fidelity label, as well as acting in several films, most notably Trapeze. The Harmonica Gang appeared at top supper clubs throughout USA, including the famous Latin Quarter in New York and Miami Beach; The “Riviera” in Las Vegas; “Palmer House” in Chicago; “The Roosevelt” in New Orleans and “Twin Coaches” in Pittsburgh and venues like the Moulin Rouge and London Palladium overseas.