One of the last of the Chicago greats has gone. Thanks for the music.


World-renowned blues harmonica master James Cotton, whom Rolling Stone called, “One of the greats of all time, burning with brilliant virtuosity,” died on March 16, 2017 of pneumonia at St. David's Medical Center in Austin, Texas. He was 81. His overwhelmingly powerful harmonica playing was one of the iconic sounds of the blues. He toured worldwide for over 60 years.

James Henry Cotton, known as “Mr. Superharp,” recorded nearly 30 solo albums, winning one Grammy Award, six Living Blues Awards and 10 Blues Music Awards. He was inducted into the Blues Hall Of Fame in 2006. The New York Daily News called him, “The greatest blues harmonica player of all time.” NPR Weekend Edition said, “Conjure up a list of all-time great blues harmonica players, and high up on it you'll see the name James Cotton.”

Born on a cotton plantation in Tunica, Mississippi on July 1, 1935, Cotton was a working musician by age nine. He learned harmonica directly from Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller), toured with Williamson and Howlin’ Wolf, and recorded for Sun Records in 1953 before spending 12 years touring and recording with Muddy Waters (starting at age 20). Cotton was featured on Muddy’s famous 1960 At Newport LP on Chess Records, including the iconic version of Got My Mojo Working, one of the classic recordings of Chicago Blues.

[www.alligator.com]

Keith Richards and James Cotton rehearsing

Sad news.
Rest in peace Mr. Cotton.


"As we say in England, it can get a bit trainspottery"

R.I.P. sir.

Sadness - RIP James Cotton.

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Rip this joint, gonna save your soul, round and round and round we go......

A true gentleman. I met him once after a show in Oslo.

RIP, James

RIP Mr Cotton .... always loved those raw early Sun tracks even
though they were more a showcase of Mr Hare's murderous guitar noise .....



ROCKMAN

Saw him two times and the place was packed. Another one gone. What an influence

Saw him once in Cleveland, many years ago. Great player. RIP JC.

~"Love is Strong"~

sad news to here,I got to see Mr Cotton a few times, R.I.P.

A great clip from 2012 with James Cotton and son of Muddy, Mud Morganfield - "You can't lose what you ain't never had": [www.youtube.com]

R.I.P.

Last time we saw him was at Legends and the place was packed, possibly since The Stones were in town for a show the next night. Great set, ending with an announcement that The Rolling Stones were not and would not be in attendance. RIP, harp man

Aww RIP he used to play western NY all the time.

From Keith Richards' FB page:

"Rehearsal for the Hubert Sumlin Tribute Concert, Feb. 24, 2012. RIP James Cotton."

A legend...His life story...His musical influence...RIP

Saw him live at the Byron Bay Bluesfest 2014
RIP Mr Cotton.

Keith Richards & James Cotton Rehearsing
[www.youtube.com]

Live Forever

Awfully sorry, just realized Cristiano wrote a post/obituary before.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2017-03-17 10:15 by MadMax.

Very Sad. Thanks and have a good journey James.
Jeroen

very sad news, but 82 years is a finish line you should already be proud of. so long James

R.I.P.

[www.youtube.com]

I was lucky to catch James a bunch of times and even met him on a few occasions after shows. In addition to being a hell of a harp player, he was a true gent, and will be missed.

RIP Mr.Cotton
..love your blues

hello rockman,
thank you for this SUN James Cotton tunes, raw blues ...
Is there a complet recording/session from James Cotton at the SUN studios, a complet record maybe ??