James Cotton
James Henry Cotton, born on July 1, 1935, in Tunica, Mississippi, was a renowned American blues harmonica player, singer, and songwriter. He began his professional career in the early 1950s playing the blues harp with Howlin' Wolf's band. Cotton's first recordings were made in Memphis under the direction of Sam Phillips for Sun Records. In 1955, he joined Muddy Waters' band in Chicago, eventually becoming the bandleader until 1965. During this time, he recorded his first full album with the Jimmy Cotton Blues Quartet, featuring Otis Spann on piano.
In the 1970s, Cotton played harmonica on Muddy Waters' Grammy Award-winning album "Hard Again," produced by Johnny Winter. Known for his high-energy performances, Cotton was a masterful harmonica player, even as throat problems later affected his vocal abilities. He was mentored by Sonny Boy Williamson II and had a significant influence on the Chicago blues scene.
Cotton recorded several albums throughout his career, including his debut for Verve Records in 1967. He continued to perform and record until his death on March 16, 2017, in Austin, Texas, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most dynamic and influential blues musicians of his time.
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