James Cotton

James Henry Cotton (July 1, 1935 – March 16, 2017) was an American blues harmonica player, singer/songwriter, who performed and recorded with many fellow blues artists, including Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters and with his own band, the James Cotton Blues Band. Cotton began his professional career being mentored by Sonny Boy Williamson II and playing the blues harp in Howlin' Wolf's band in the early 1950s. He spent 12 years touring with Muddy Waters and appeared on At Newport 60, which is considered by Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Album's of All Times. He made his first recordings in Memphis for Sun Records, under the direction of Sam Phillips.