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2022 Award Recipient

Joe Louis Walker

Joe Louis Walker, a versatile blues icon, blends gospel, jazz, and rock. A prolific artist and mentor, his legacy and influence span generations, keeping the blues vibrant and evolving.

2014 Award Recipient

Eddie Shaw

Eddie Shaw, a legendary saxophonist, shaped blues with his work alongside Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. His legacy endures through his music and mentorship in the blues community.

2013 Award Recipient

John Primer

John Primer, a stalwart of Chicago blues, rose from Mississippi roots to fame with Muddy Waters and Magic Slim. His authentic style and mentoring keep the blues vibrant for future generations.

2012 Award Recipient

Bobby Rush

Bobby Rush, a blues legend, rose from humble beginnings in Louisiana to Grammy-winning fame, blending traditional blues with funk and soul, inspiring generations with his dynamic performances and resilience.

2012 Award Recipient

Lonnie Brooks

Lonnie Brooks, born in Louisiana, became a blues icon with his unique blend of Delta, Texas, and Chicago blues. His influential career, marked by dynamic performances and mentoring, left a lasting legacy.

2011 Award Recipient

Otis Clay

Otis Clay, a gospel-rooted soul and blues icon, bridged musical genres with his powerful voice, leaving a lasting legacy of emotional depth and community dedication.

2010 Award Recipient

Hubert Sumlin

Hubert Sumlin, a blues guitar legend, known for his emotive, innovative style with Howlin' Wolf, influenced generations of musicians, leaving an enduring legacy in blues and rock.

2009 Award Recipient

Sugar Pie DeSanto

Sugar Pie DeSanto, a dynamic blues artist, blended cultural influences into her music, leaving a lasting legacy of passionate performances and powerful vocal delivery.

2009 Award Recipient

Magic Slim

Magic Slim, born Morris Holt, was a blues titan from Mississippi. His powerful guitar and gritty vocals defined Chicago blues, leaving an enduring legacy in the genre.

2008 Award Recipient

Denise LaSalle

Denise LaSalle, born in Mississippi, rose to fame with hits like "Trapped by a Thing Called Love." A trailblazing blues singer, songwriter, and producer, her legacy inspires future generations.

2008 Award Recipient

Billy Boy Arnold

Billy Boy Arnold, a Chicago blues legend, revolutionized harmonica playing and influenced generations with hits like "I Wish You Would," leaving an indelible mark on blues and rock music.

2007 Award Recipient

Nappy Brown

Nappy Brown, born in 1929, blended gospel, blues, and R&B with his powerful voice. His hits like "Don't Be Angry" and dynamic performances left a lasting legacy in music.

2007 Award Recipient

Jimmie Jones

Jimmie Jones, a jazz and blues historian, photographer, and advocate, dedicated his life to preserving and promoting these genres, leaving a lasting legacy of passion and education.

2007 Award Recipient

Alberta Adams

Alberta Adams, the Queen of Detroit Blues, rose from humble beginnings to become a trailblazing vocalist, blending blues, jazz, and gospel, leaving an enduring legacy in American music.

2006 Award Recipient

James Cotton

James Cotton, "Superharp," revolutionized blues harmonica, mentored by Sonny Boy Williamson II and played with Muddy Waters. His energetic performances and albums left a lasting legacy on the blues genre.

2005 Award Recipient

Sterling D. Plumpp

Sterling Plumpp, a blues poet, bridged music and literature, capturing African American experiences in his works. His legacy inspires future generations in both genres.

2005 Award Recipient

R. L. Burnside

R.L. Burnside, a Mississippi blues legend, fused traditional Delta blues with modern sounds. His gritty style and resilience left an enduring impact on the blues genre and future generations.

2004 Award Recipient

Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, a genre-blending blues virtuoso, left an indelible mark on music with his eclectic style, Grammy-winning albums, and unforgettable performances. His legacy endures.

2004 Award Recipient

Bob Koester

Bob Koester, founder of Delmark Records, preserved and promoted blues and jazz, impacting the genre significantly with his recordings and dedication. His legacy endures through his work and influence.

2003 Award Recipient

John Mayall

John Mayall, the "Godfather of British Blues," shaped the genre with his Bluesbreakers, nurturing legends like Eric Clapton. His enduring legacy continues to inspire musicians worldwide.

2003 Award Recipient

Henry Townsend

Henry Townsend, a blues legend, bridged Delta and urban styles. Spanning 80 years, his career included iconic recordings, influential mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the blues.

2003 Award Recipient

Fred Anderson

Fred Anderson, a saxophone virtuoso, bridged jazz and blues. From Louisiana to Chicago, his innovation and mentorship left a lasting impact on the music scene and future generations.

2002 Award Recipient

“Little Milton” Campbell

Little Milton, born James Milton Campbell, was a soulful bluesman from Mississippi. Known for blending blues and soul, his hits like "We're Gonna Make It" left a lasting legacy on the genre.

2001 Award Recipient

Odetta

Odetta Holmes, the "Voice of the Civil Rights Movement," bridged folk and blues, inspiring artists like Bob Dylan. Her powerful performances championed social justice and equality.

2001 Award Recipient

Koko Taylor

Koko Taylor, the "Queen of the Blues," rose from humble beginnings in Tennessee to blues stardom with hits like "Wang Dang Doodle," breaking barriers and influencing future generations.

2001 Award Recipient

John Dee Holeman

John Dee Holeman was a Piedmont blues artist known for his fingerpicking guitar style, blending traditional and modern blues. His legacy includes preserving the Piedmont blues and influencing future generations.

2000 Award Recipient

Henry Gray

Henry Gray, born in Louisiana in 1925, was a pioneering blues pianist who shaped Chicago blues. His legacy lives on through iconic recordings and influence on future musicians.

2000 Award Recipient

Gene “Daddy G” Barge

Gene "Daddy G" Barge, saxophonist and producer, shaped blues and R&B with Chess Records, iconic tracks, and innovative arrangements, leaving a lasting legacy in music.

2000 Award Recipient

Boozoo Chavis

Boozoo Chavis, zydeco pioneer, blended Creole, blues, and Cajun sounds. Known for hits like "Paper in My Shoe," he shaped zydeco and influenced future generations.

2000 Award Recipient

Bobby “Blue” Bland

Bobby "Blue" Bland, born in Tennessee, became a blues legend with hits like "Two Steps from the Blues." His blend of blues and soul influenced countless artists, leaving a lasting legacy.

1999 Award Recipient

Pinetop Perkins

Pinetop Perkins, born in 1913, was a legendary blues pianist whose career spanned eight decades. His boogie-woogie style and influence on the blues genre remain unmatched.

1999 Award Recipient

Howard Armstrong

Howard Armstrong, a versatile blues musician, blended diverse musical traditions, influenced American roots music, and left a lasting legacy through his recordings and charismatic performances.

1999 Award Recipient

Francis Clay

Francis Clay, influential blues drummer, shaped the Chicago blues sound with Muddy Waters. His blend of jazz and blues rhythms left a lasting impact on the genre and future generations.

1998 Award Recipient

John Jackson

John Jackson, a master of Piedmont blues, rose from humble beginnings to preserve traditional blues, inspiring future generations with his authentic style and soulful performances.

1998 Award Recipient

Jay McShann

Jay McShann, a pioneering pianist and bandleader, blended blues and jazz, shaping Kansas City jazz and mentoring talents like Charlie Parker, leaving a lasting musical legacy.

1997 Award Recipient

Snooky Pryor

Snooky Pryor, a pioneering blues harmonica player, revolutionized the genre with his amplified sound. His influential career and innovative style left a lasting legacy on the blues.

1997 Award Recipient

Franz Jackson

Franz Jackson, a jazz and blues legend, bridged New Orleans jazz and Chicago blues, leaving a lasting legacy through his recordings, performances, and mentorship of young musicians.

1996 Award Recipient

Robert Lockwood Jr.

Robert Lockwood Jr., a pioneering blues guitarist mentored by Robert Johnson, fused delta and Chicago blues, leaving a lasting legacy through his recordings and mentorship.

1995 Award Recipient

David “Honeyboy” Edwards

David "Honeyboy" Edwards, a Delta blues legend, preserved traditional blues while inspiring future generations with his emotive guitar work and rich storytelling. His legacy endures.

2006 Award Recipient

James Cotton

The Heartbeat of Blues Harmonica

James Cotton, known affectionately as “Superharp,” was born on July 1, 1935, in Tunica, Mississippi. Cotton grew up in a sharecropping family, experiencing the harsh realities of rural poverty in the segregated South. His early life was marked by hardship, but it was within this environment that he found his calling in the blues. Orphaned at a young age, Cotton was taken in by his uncle, who introduced him to the rich musical traditions of the Mississippi Delta.

Introduction to Music and Early Influences

Cotton’s introduction to music came through his mother, who played the harmonica. Fascinated by the instrument, he began to mimic her playing, showing a natural talent that would define his future. At the age of nine, Cotton met the legendary Sonny Boy Williamson II, who took him under his wing. This mentorship was crucial, as Williamson not only taught Cotton the intricacies of the harmonica but also instilled in him a deep understanding of the blues’ emotional and cultural significance.

Key Moments and Milestones in His Career

In the early 1950s, Cotton moved to West Memphis, Arkansas, where he performed with Howlin’ Wolf’s band. This opportunity provided him with invaluable experience and exposure. In 1954, he was recruited by Muddy Waters, one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. Cotton’s tenure with Waters was a turning point in his career, allowing him to hone his skills and gain recognition as a premier harmonica player.

In 1966, Cotton embarked on a solo career, forming the James Cotton Blues Band. His charismatic stage presence and innovative harmonica techniques set him apart. The band’s debut album, “The James Cotton Blues Band,” released in 1967, was a critical success and cemented his reputation as a leading figure in the blues world.

Significant Albums, Songs, and Performances

Throughout his career, Cotton released a plethora of influential albums. Notable among them is “100% Cotton” (1974), which showcased his virtuosity and ability to blend traditional blues with a modern edge. Another significant album, “High Compression” (1984), highlighted his versatility and the evolving nature of his music.

Cotton’s live performances were legendary. His energetic shows and unparalleled harmonica playing made him a favorite at blues festivals worldwide. One of his most memorable performances was at the 1969 Woodstock Festival, where he played alongside other blues greats, leaving an indelible mark on the audience.

Impact on the Blues Genre and Music Industry

James Cotton’s impact on the blues genre is immeasurable. His innovative harmonica techniques, including his powerful blow bending and intricate phrasing, set new standards for the instrument. He played a crucial role in popularizing the harmonica in blues music, influencing countless musicians who followed in his footsteps.

Cotton’s contributions extended beyond his musicianship. He was a bridge between the traditional Delta blues of his mentors and the modern electric blues that emerged in the post-war era. His work helped to preserve the blues’ cultural heritage while also pushing the genre forward.

Personal Anecdotes or Notable Stories

One of the most notable stories about James Cotton involves his relationship with Muddy Waters. During his time with Waters, Cotton was known for his playful and spirited nature. On one occasion, Waters bet Cotton that he couldn’t play a harmonica solo without pausing for breath. Rising to the challenge, Cotton performed an extended solo that left the audience in awe and Waters $50 poorer.

Another poignant anecdote is Cotton’s lifelong battle with throat cancer, which eventually took his voice but never his spirit. Even after losing his ability to sing, Cotton continued to perform, letting his harmonica speak for him. This tenacity and love for the blues endeared him to fans and fellow musicians alike.

Legacy and Influence on Future Generations

James Cotton’s legacy is profound. He received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1997 for “Deep in the Blues.” His influence is evident in the work of modern blues harmonica players and musicians across various genres who cite him as an inspiration.

Cotton’s commitment to the blues and his innovative approach ensured that the harmonica remained a vital part of the genre. His music continues to inspire new generations of blues artists, ensuring that the legacy of “Superharp” lives on.

In conclusion, James Cotton’s life and career were a testament to the power of music to transcend hardship and bring people together. His contributions to the blues are timeless, and his spirit continues to resonate with fans and musicians worldwide.

A Poem for James

Blues Man

when troubles roll against
your door, knocking for
your dreams and future,
the blues man answers
with hands threading myth
through holes his breath
nourishes

He is the link to Sonny Boy
and Chess moves or records of joy
He comes out of Muddy Waters
with his shoes spit shined
He is a blues man. He even played
checkerboards
and red hot peppers / jammin
on his harmonica

I don’t know what Cotton believes
but I do know every time I hear
him sing and play I wanna dance.
He is the Boogie Man. He got
the rhythms in his breath and hands
He got the rhythms in his breath and hands.

He is the Boogie Man.

— Sterling D. Plumpp

Background

BornJuly 1, 1935
Tunica, Mississippi, U.S.
DiedMarch 16, 2017 (aged 81)
Austin, Texas, U.S.
GenresBlues, Chicago blues, Delta blues, electric blues, jazz, Memphis blues, rock
Occupation(s)Musician, singer, songwriter
Instrument(s)Harmonica, vocals, drums
LabelsBuddah, Alligator, Telarc International