Sam Myers, 70; Blues Singer Was Known for His Harmonica Playing

Sam Myers, 70, a blues musician best known as a singer and harmonica player, died July 17 of throat cancer at his Dallas home, according to his sister, Eula Jones.

He was diagnosed with cancer last year and had been unable to perform with his band, Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets, since late 2004.

Myers, a native of Laurel, Miss., had been with the Rockets as their featured vocalist since 1986.

Myers, along with the Rockets, collectively won nine W.C. Handy awards, given annually by the Memphis-based Blues Foundation.

He was a drummer with blues great Elmore James from 1952 to 1963 and had performed with many others.

In 1956, Myers wrote and recorded what was to be his most famous single, “Sleeping in the Ground.”