James Cotton: Blues Harmonica Great, Muddy Waters Collaborator

“If I don’t feel it, I can’t play it.” — James Cotton

Blues-harmonica legend James Cotton was born on this day in 1935 on a cotton plantation. He was a working musician by the time he was 10 years old. He toured with Howlin’ Wolf. Eventually he hooked up with Muddy Waters and toured with him for years, his harmonica solos an integral part of the songs. Later on, he formed his own band, and toured as a solo act for 60-plus years. He played with everyone. In the early 1950s, he – like so many others …

James Cotton: Blues Harmonica Great, Muddy Waters Collaborator

James Cotton was one of the most respected of blues harmonica players, who toured from his early years with Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters. Cotton spent a total of 12 years on the road with Wolf and Muddy, and was featured on Waters’ At Newport 1960, recorded live at the Newport Jazz Festival that year. Born on July 1, 1935 in in the heart of blues country in Tunica, Mississippi, he formed the James Cotton Band in 1966. He went on to play on Wate…