James Cotton was born in 1935 in Mississippi. He became interested in music
as a child when he listened to Sonny Boy Williamson on the King Biscuit radio show.
He left his home in Tunica, Mississippi at the age of nine to find his idol.
James found Sonny Boy in West Helena, Arkansas where he hosted King Biscuit on KFFA.
James told Sonny Boy that he was an orphan and the legendary blues musician took
the boy home and raised him. He taught young James to play the harp. Cotton
stayed with Sonny Boy until age 15, when he decided to set out on his own.
Cotton started his career playing the harp in Howlin Wolf's band during broadcast
performances at KWEM in West Memphis, Arkansas. Sam Phillips recorded Howlin'
Wolf on Sun Records and in the process recorded Cotton. James recorded
"Cotton Crop Blues" which is a classic blues song. Among Cotton's many talents
was writing. He penned "Cotton Crop Blues", "Feelin' Good", "Hold Me in Your Arms",
and "Rocket 88".
In 1955, James moved to Chicago and began working with Muddy Waters band.
He performed in legendary tunes including "I Got My Mojo Working",
"Nineteen Years Old", "Walking Through the Park", and "You Can't Lose
What You Never Had". He also appeared with Muddy at the legendary
Newport Jazz Festival in 1960. Cotton left Muddy's band in 1966 to
form a solo career. He toured with Janis Joplin and is sited as a major
influence by Mike Bloomfield, Paul Butterfield, Boz Scaggs, Peter Wolf and Bonnie Raitt.
In the 70's, Cotton released albums produced by legends such as Todd Rundgren,
Mike Bloomfield and Allan Toussaint. He also recorded with Johnny Winters and
Steve Miller. He continues to perform and record presently.
"Born In Chicago"
