We lost another great today , James Cotton passed away , 81 years old , I was lucky enough to see James maybe ten times starting in 1980 and the last time in 2013 with Johnny Winter , always had a good band and always a fun time . Thanks for the music .
[Edited on 3/17/2017 by dimplesjbc]
Truly an American treasure. I saw him in Anchorage, Alaska (!) open for Muddy. Hot as hell. In one of the slickest pieces of showmanship I ever saw, Muddy, in the middle of a tune, called out the members of James' band, one by one, to replace his band (bassist for bassist, keys for keys, etc) until the entire Muddy Waters band was replaced by the James Cotton band, backing Muddy as the tune went on, never missing a beat. Muddy started the tune with one band and finished it with another. Place went apeshit. Thanks, James. We'll miss you.
A true legend. I saw him open for Johnny Winter in about 74 and Dicky Betts & GS a few years later.
He'll be missed
74 at the felt forum. james cotton, then Charlie daniels band then marshall tucker.
nyc blotter too. needless to say one great night.
Saw him a few times...a great one...RIP
74 at the felt forum. james cotton, then Charlie daniels band then marshall tucker.
nyc blotter too. needless to say one great night.
Nice
74 at the felt forum. james cotton, then Charlie daniels band then marshall tucker.
nyc blotter too. needless to say one great night.
Yup. I was there too. November 1974. Ticket cost 7.50.
Beer and sammiches @ Blarney Rock across the street.
I had seen James open for Hot Tuna at the Hofstra Playhouse the year before.
Between bands I went to the water fountain.
Who's in front of me but James Cotton himself with nobody else around.
James could not have been nicer to a 15 year old kid who told him what a great show that was.
Thanks James.
What a player!
he really tore it up in the 70's. r.i.p.
I saw him a few years ago at the Hubert Sumlin tribute at the Apollo. He looked like hell but could still play
It's been a long time since James, Muddy, Johnny and Pinetop have been together...
RIP James. A harp legend!
RIP. One of the first shows I saw in 1973.
Warren released a statement.
http://www.warrenhaynes.net/news/detail/rip_james_cotton
Saw him about two years ago with Charlie Musselwhite and John Hammond. He played with a ton of energy and you could hear a pin drop when he stopped after a few songs to talk with the audience with what was left of his voice after his throat cancer battles.
He will truly be missed.
Mike
Very sad to hear this. Legendary bluesman. Was fortunate to see him twice in the early 70's including once opening for BB King.
From the Chicago Blues Festival:
"The Chicago Blues Festival is deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary James Cotton - a true giant and blues harmonica master. Mr. Cotton was scheduled to perform at the festival this year with Billy Branch. We were honored to have him perform on the festival stage in 2013 for a Chicago Blues set like no other! May he rest in peace."
This was the last time I saw him, in 2013 at The Chicago Blues Fest. He couldn't sing and I think he sat the whole time but he sure was good.
Everything in Moderation. Including Moderation.
Muddy Waters' "Hard Again" (1977) with James Cotton on harp is my favorite blues record of ALL time. And let's not forget, that record started a blues renaissance. The blues were really dead in the water at least commercially before that record came out. Most here would know, but Johnny Winter both produced it and played guitar on it.
RIP Sir.
Saw him once.... he was amazing 😉
RIP Mr. Cotton
For the historians out there, James had a Bloomfield connection. Michael produced and played on his lp; Cotton in your Ears
RIP James
