James Cotton

1. Artist Header

Artist name: James Cotton
Country / region: United States
Active years: 1950s–2010s
Primary role(s): Harmonica player, singer, bandleader

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2. Overview

James Cotton was an American blues harmonica player and singer. He emerged in the early 1950s and became associated with postwar electric blues through his work as a band member and later as a solo recording artist. Cotton maintained a long recording and touring career and was active in the blues circuit for several decades.

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3. Style and Genre (Established Terms Only)

Primary genres:

• Blues

• Electric blues

Associated styles:

• Chicago blues

• Modern electric blues

Instrumentation:

• Harmonica

• Vocals

• Electric guitar

• Bass

• Drums

Notes:
Cotton’s recordings are rooted in amplified Chicago blues traditions that developed after World War II. His work typically features harmonica-led arrangements supported by standard electric blues rhythm sections.

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4. Career Outline (Factual Timeline)

• Born in Mississippi and raised in the Mississippi Delta

• Began performing professionally in the early 1950s

• Performed with Muddy Waters’ band during the 1950s

• Launched a solo recording career in the 1960s

• Recorded for several major blues and independent labels

• Continued touring and recording internationally through the 2000s

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5. Discography (AllMusic)

Studio Albums

• Cotton Crop — 1969

• 100% Cotton — 1974

• High Energy — 1975

• Live & On the Move — 1976

• Take Me Back — 1981

• Chicago Bound — 1986

• Deep in the Blues — 1996

• Late Night Blues — 2000

• Giant — 2010

Live Albums

• Live from Chicago: Mr. Superharp Himself — 1986