Biography
James Henry Cotton (July 1, 1935 – March 16, 2017) was a towering figure in American blues, renowned for his electrifying harmonica playing, soulful vocals, and dynamic stage presence. Born on the Bonnie Blue plantation in Tunica, Mississippi, Cotton was the youngest of eight children and was immersed in the rich musical traditions of the Mississippi Delta from an early age. Inspired by hearing Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller) on the radio, Cotton sought him out as a mentor, learning harmonica directly from the blues legend as a child. By his teens, Cotton was touring with Williamson and later joined Howlin’ Wolf’s band, launching his professional career in the early 1950s.
Cotton’s artistry flourished in Chicago after he joined Muddy Waters’ band in 1955, where he became bandleader and contributed to the group’s powerful sound for over a decade. He alternated recording duties with Little Walter and played on landmark albums such as 'At Newport 1960.' In 1965, Cotton formed the Jimmy Cotton Blues Quartet and soon after established his own full-time touring group, the James Cotton Blues Band. His harmonica work graced Muddy Waters’ Grammy-winning 'Hard Again' (1977) and collaborations with artists from Janis Joplin to B.B. King, Led Zeppelin, and Steve Miller. Cotton’s own albums, including the Grammy-winning 'Deep In The Blues' (1996), showcased his high-energy style and deep emotional connection to the blues.
James Cotton’s legacy is defined by his technical mastery, passionate performances, and the bridge he built between traditional Delta blues and modern electric blues. Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006, he influenced generations of musicians and remained a vital force in blues music until his death in 2017. His nickname, 'Mr. Superharp,' reflects the enduring impact of his powerful, expressive harmonica sound.
Fun Facts
- James Cotton was nicknamed 'Mr. Superharp' for his powerful harmonica playing.
- He was so energetic on stage that he was said to 'suck the reeds out of his harmonica' from sheer force.
- Cotton claimed for years that Sonny Boy Williamson II raised him as an orphan, a story he later admitted was exaggerated, though Williamson did mentor him closely.
- He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006 and won a Grammy Award for his 1996 album 'Deep In The Blues.'
Associated Acts
- The Jimmy Cotton Blues Quartet - original
- James Cotton and His Big Band - eponymous, original
- James Cotton Blues Band - eponymous
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller) - Primary mentor; taught Cotton harmonica as a child and let him tour with his band. (Early live performances, touring band) [1940s–early 1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Howlin’ Wolf - Band member; Cotton began his professional career playing harmonica in Wolf’s band. (Touring, live performances) [Early 1950s]
- Muddy Waters - Band member and later bandleader; recorded and toured extensively. (At Newport 1960, Hard Again, various recordings and tours) [1955–1965 (with later collaborations in the 1970s)]
- Otis Spann - Pianist in Cotton’s Jimmy Cotton Blues Quartet. (Chicago/The Blues/Today! Vol. 2) [1965–1966]
- Janis Joplin - Touring collaborator after leaving Muddy Waters’ band. (Live performances) [Late 1960s]
- Johnny Winter - Producer and guitarist on Muddy Waters’ 'Hard Again' and other projects. (Hard Again (1977)) [1970s]
- Steve Miller - Collaborator; performed and recorded together. (Live performances, studio sessions) [Various]
Artists Influenced
- Mick Jagger - Inspired by Cotton’s harmonica style; Jagger has cited Cotton as a major influence. (The Rolling Stones’ blues-influenced recordings) [1960s–present]
- Joe Bonamassa - Cited Cotton as a blues influence; collaborated in later years. (Cotton Mouth Man (2013)) [2010s]
- Gregg Allman - Collaborated and was influenced by Cotton’s blues harmonica approach. (Cotton Mouth Man (2013)) [2010s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton Mouth Man | 2013-05-07 | Album |
| Breakin' It Up, Breakin' It Down | 2007-06-05 | Album |
| Harp Attack! | 1990-09-10 | Album |
| Deep In The Blues | 1996-01-01 | Album |
| This is | 2013-10-15 | Album |
| High Compression | 1984-09-01 | Album |
| 100% Cotton | 1974 | Album |
| Essential Classics, Vol. 656: James Cotton | 2025-09-19 | Album |
| Live In NY '77 | 2019-10-21 | Album |
| Off The Wall | 2011-02-07 | Album |
| Giant | 2010-09-28 | Album |
| Live From Chicago - Mr. Superharp Himself! | 1986-02-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Down Home Blues (Harp Attack!)
- When The Levee Breaks (Part One)
- Wrapped Around My Heart (Cotton Mouth Man)
- Cotton Mouth Man (Cotton Mouth Man)
- Play With Your Poodle (Deep In The Blues)
- My Baby (This is)
- Midnight Train (Cotton Mouth Man)
- Black Cat Bone / Dust My Broom - Live (Breakin' It Up, Breakin' It Down)
- Dealin' With the Devil (Breakin' It Up, Breakin' It Down)
- Mississippi Mud (Cotton Mouth Man)
External Links
Tags: #blues, #chicago-blues
References
Heard on WWOZ
james cotton has been played 4 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 19, 2025 | 15:15 | cotton crop bluesfrom vanguard visionaries | Sittin' at the Crossroadw/ Big D | |
| Nov 14, 2025 | 14:40 | Hold Me In Your Armsfrom SUN 45 | The Blues Breakdown | |
| Nov 10, 2025 | 20:45 | Mississippi Freight Train (Part 2) | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Sep 12, 2025 | 15:05 | My babyfrom SUN 45 | The Blues Breakdown |