JIMMY DAWKINS

Biography

Jimmy Dawkins (born October 24, 1936, in Tchula, Mississippi) was a leading figure in the Chicago blues scene, celebrated for his expressive guitar work and contributions to the 'West Side' sound. Growing up in Mississippi, Dawkins was influenced by both the traditional blues of his home state and the vibrant music of New Orleans, which he encountered during his childhood in Pascagoula. He taught himself guitar using an instrument belonging to his uncle and moved to Chicago in 1955, where he initially worked in a box factory while playing in local clubs at night.

Dawkins quickly gained a reputation as a skilled session musician, performing alongside other rising stars of the Chicago blues scene. His breakthrough came in 1969 with the release of his debut album 'Fast Fingers' on Delmark Records, a project facilitated by his friend and mentor Magic Sam. The album earned international acclaim, winning the Grand Prix du Disque from the Hot Club de France. Over the following decades, Dawkins toured extensively in Europe and Japan, recorded prolifically, and became known for his improvisational, spontaneous approach to the blues. In addition to his own music, he promoted other artists through his label Leric Records and contributed to the founding of the influential magazine 'Living Blues.'

Dawkins's style was marked by a modern, urban edge, blending the soulful traditions of Mississippi blues with the sophisticated rhythms of Chicago. Though sometimes overshadowed as a vocalist, his guitar playing was widely admired for its nuance and emotional depth. His legacy endures through his recordings, his mentorship of younger musicians, and his role in shaping the sound of modern blues.

Fun Facts

• Dawkins disliked his nickname 'Fast Fingers,' feeling it misrepresented his nuanced approach to guitar playing.
• He was known for his fondness for unorthodox spelling in album and song titles, such as 'Kant Sheck Dees Bluze' and 'B Phur Real.'
• Dawkins co-founded the influential blues magazine 'Living Blues,' contributing columns and helping document the genre's history.
• He often avoided rehearsals, preferring to keep his music improvisational and spontaneous, sometimes building songs around a title during the recording session.

Associated Acts

• Rhonda and the Great Unknown - bass guitar (2015-07-01–present)

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Magic Sam (Sam Maghett) - Mentored Dawkins in Chicago, helped him secure his first recording contract, and influenced his guitar style. (Facilitated 'Fast Fingers' album (1969)) [Late 1950s–1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Andrew 'Big Voice' Odom - Frequent vocalist on Dawkins's albums, notably provided vocals on 'All For Business.' ('All For Business' (1971)) [1970s]
• Otis Rush - Guitarist on Dawkins's recordings, collaborated on Delmark releases. ('All For Business' (1971)) [1970s]
• Koko Taylor, Carey Bell, Luther Allison, Wild Child Butler, Johnny Young, Sleepy John Estes, Earl Hooker - Recorded and performed together as session musicians or sidemen in Chicago blues scene. (Various sessions and live performances) [1960s–1980s]

Artists Influenced

• Taildragger - Promoted and recorded on Dawkins's Leric Records label; benefited from Dawkins's mentorship. (Leric Records releases) [1980s]
• Queen Sylvia Embry - Supported and produced recordings for her on Leric Records. (Leric Records releases) [1980s]
• Little Johnny Christian - Helped launch his career through Leric Records. (Leric Records releases) [1980s]
• Nora Jean Wallace - Promoted her as part of his efforts to support emerging blues talent. (Leric Records releases) [1980s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Kold Actions (Hot Wire 81 (feat. Richard Kirch, Sylvester Boines, Jimmy Schutte) [Blues Power])
2. Little Angel Child (Fast Fingers)
3. Highway Man Blues (Feel the Blues 2014 Remix)
4. Ruff Times (Hot Wire 81 (feat. Richard Kirch, Sylvester Boines, Jimmy Schutte) [Blues Power])
5. Off Business (Born in Poverty (Recorded in France 1971-1974))
6. It Serves Me Right To Suffer (Fast Fingers)
7. Night Rock (Fast Fingers)
8. I Finally Learned A Lesson (Fast Fingers)
9. Welfare Blues (All For Business)
10. I Wonder Why (Fast Fingers)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #blues, #chicago-blues, #electric-blues