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The Root 100

The ROOT 100 recognizes emerging and established African-American leaders who are making extraordinary contributions. The ROOT 100 celebrates leadership, creativity, service, and, above all, excellence.

By: The Root Staff | Posted: October 16, 2009 at 11:33 AM

FREDERIC YONNET

Age
36 years old

Hometown
Normandy, France

Claim to Fame
The world's most dynamic harmonicist

French-born harmonicist Frederic Yonnet grew up on the stage doing comedy acts with his father as a child in Normandy. Later came the instruments; first drums, then the harmonica, which Yonnet picked up at 19 and has yet to put down. Seventeen years later, he’s provided accompaniment to everyone from Stevie Wonder to Prince, Erykah Badu and John Legend. His personal discography includes Blowing Your Mind in Every Key of the Harp!, Front and Center and an as-yet untitled project to be released this year. Though his recordings are strong, it's his live shows that really blow people away. After a show in Nashville, Tennessee, reps from the German harmonica company, Weltmeister, commented, "We’ve never heard anyone play the harmonica like that before."