James Moore, known as Slim Harpo, grew up in Port Allen and worked in the Baton Rouge area while building a career on harmonica, guitar, and vocals. After playing south Louisiana clubs and juke joints, he recorded for the Excello label with producer J. D. Miller in Crowley. His 1957 “I’m a King Bee” and 1961 “Rainin’ in My Heart” became signatures; “Baby Scratch My Back” topped the R&B chart in 1966. His relaxed, insistent recordings became part of the south Louisiana sound often called swamp blues. British rock groups heard them too: the Rolling Stones recorded “I’m a King Bee” and “Shake Your Hips,” and the Kinks recorded “Got Love If You Want It.” Moore ran a trucking business alongside his music career. He died in Baton Rouge in 1970 while preparing for a European tour.
