James Cotton - The Creeper

[@Modernbluesharmonica]

There is just no other harp player, living or dead, who had a sound like this. Note that he's playing right on the vocal mike, through the PA. No retro (Astatic, Green Bullet, etc.) harp mike, no Tweed Champ. Just mouth, harp, and mike. I've heard stories about Sonny Boy (Rice Miller) rocking juke joints with just harp and a stomping foot. I understand now. Loved Cotton since I was 16; saw him for the first time then, too.

[@jacksullivan619]

Modern Blues Harmonica you bet Adam, as inspirational as it gets man!

[@ProfHarp-ck3nl]

Could very well be, Adam. You could never tell with Cotton, though, because he sounded the same WHATEVER he used. Thought I saw one of those tall Silverface amps that he'd use on the stage (Quad Reverb or Super 6). One time he used MY Super Reverb and Green Bullet in a little joint in Chicago and sounded like that, another time, I saw him play thru just his voice mike and he sounded like that-it was that thick "Virginia ham" tone that overwhelmed any system, PA or amp .....

[@nathanoman1]

Man what a harmonica player. My dad always loved this guy and I always knew why

[@chrisjaybecker]

A few years back, I listened to Cotton for the first time in years, and I realized that MY style of playing, which includes a lot of octaves, double-stops, and mouth distortion, was actually about 95% James Cotton. LOL.

[@Claymann71]

That's why James was 'the Hendrix' of Harmonica. _Trailblazer!_

[@caferive]

I gate crashed this guys 64th birthday party, on Beale Street, Memphis, and he jammed with Sean Costello all night, without a doubt, the best gig I ever, ever went to....Love it, absolute 'harp' genius...!!!

[@alfrednawrocki8061]

Saw him in Detroit my hometown in about 1968 at the Chessmate on 6 mile and Livernois !!! One kickass show !!! James went out doors on that snowy night and played a few riffs before coming back on stage !!! Great memories for me!!!!!

[@philipjerrome1952]

He does Sonny Boy Williamson, Jr Wells. and Howlin Wolf effortlesly, and you know he has his own style. Everyone reading this post should send James Cotton his just appriciation for all the work he has done.

[@harmonicabill]

Philip Jerrome right on power house

[@HazySpirit]

Simply the best ever with a harp

[@kendalllaughon9664]

HazySpirit If that harp could sing!? Baby it's alright!!!!!

[@Fezzee]

He did he play Howlin Wolf and Sonnyboy effortlessly? I suppose he would, he played in Sonnyboys band as a drummer, and he played harp for Howlin Wolf

[@kenhamasaka2524]

Thank you James Cotton, I saw you in a bar in '75, you played this tune and had us all jumping up and down, laughing and who knows what. Thanks Rest in Peace, there's going to be an outrageous concert in Heaven tonight.

[@admiral37]

RIP, James Cotton. It'll be a rockin' good time with Muddy, Junior Wells, B.B., John Lee Hooker, Albert King, Stevie Ray and all those blues greats. Thanks for the wicked awesome harp playing.

[@curleyteeth]

The great James Cotton.First harp player I ever heard that I can remember actually playing the blues so will always have a firm place in my heart.Jim.liverpool.

[@curleyteeth]

Mind you that was back in the early 70s and actually may have been On The Road again,with the late and great Al Wilson on harp.Jim.Liverpool.

[@musoid]

There just aint anyone with a deeper, more soulful tone on blues harp, not to mention his rhythmic sensibility. A true giant.

[@stevetessier6568]

I miss Cotton, with every beat of my heart. He was my first harp teacher. A dear dear friend, a confidante. My beloved mentor. God blesses his eternal soul. As the blessed Angels attend Cotton in Heaven......!!!!

[@noogie13]

James Cotton is amazing, I was lucky enough to see him live. I was *blown* away by his performance even at his old age!

[@kinkajou777]

James Cotton has a way of making a person getting up to dance along. I am not much for getting up to dance and James Cotton had me dancing at the Chicago Blues Festival of 2013 on Sunday 6-9-13.

[@swinginonthespiral8765]

Can't stop smiling. What a performance!

[@JohnWhite-xc3md]

Saw Cotton many times back in the 80s. He had a line up with Micheal Coleman on guitar, I think Neil Noel on bass kinda being the focal point of the band until James came up on stage. Absolute dynamite. Those guys were so high energy, and tight. Best band I ever saw!

[@musicalone9689]

My favorite harp player! He had us all dancing around in the rain and mud (muddy waters!) to his music at the Poconos Blues Fest! Can you hear why? DEFINITELY THE REAL DEAL!

[@cloisterene]

He lives and breathes that harmonica! Got the music in his soul!

[@sweetdaddycoolbreeze]

JC - "Live And On The Move" Recorded at the Shaboo in Wilamantic CT. One of Cottons Best L P's Ever. Thanks for the conment.

[@sheilaburnham9613]

shaboo

[@unionjack2121]

If that was the Shaboo show say early to mid 70's I was there.

[@sweetdaddycoolbreeze]

I worked with the Drummer Ken Johnson. Just check him out. He's one of the very best blues drummers of all times. I only wish that someone in the blues world would give him he's do respect. Kennard Johnson passed away in March of 05. He spent 13 years with James Cotton & 13 years with Kenny Neal and was on to many LP's CD's to mention. Just to let you know. The blues world lost a great one and nobody knows it. Well, Now you do. Pass it on. "Sweet Daddy"

[@conarym9]

i was lucky enough to meet the man. I talked to him and didn't understand a word he was saying until he played his harp.

[@angrytek]

Only 3 minutes into it and my face is already melting.... Love it!

[@stuffnuns]

The thing about James C is there are other players who have super fast runs and greater technical facility. Tho Cotton’s vocabulary is smaller than some, he has other stuff at his disposal: great tone, showmanship, great feeling and his playing is always in the pocket. He hits those notes and bends at the right moment. His sound is distinctive. I can always tell when it’s James Cotton playing. He made us stand up and have a great time. RIP, James Cotton.

[@matheus6894]

Man, Cotton was so fun and soulful on his thing... just a legend

[@novascotiaurbanexploration3021]

R.I.P superharp very glad I had the chance of meeting you when you were in town

[@arnulfoalbornoz4347]

first time learned to appreciate his music was on a philippine tv program 'in concert' channel 13, something like 1972. and i loved the way he played his harmonica and the way he entertained his audience with the creeper and and his next music with his guitarist doing a solo. and i was around 14years old then. will never grow tired of his music.

[@bluesdrummer715]

I've been telling every wanna bee blues drummer for years about Mr. Ken Johnson. He just has that perfect feel in anything he played! The hands and feet are matched perfectly. As a drummer you strive to have where one limb isn't always the lead. As a not he was the drummer on Steve Miller's "Fly like an Eagle" A groove that Miller didn't deserve!! Kenny makes that tune bigtime. I sure miss seeing him, he was a huge influence on me!

[@dennisharris2942]

I saw him in Alaska about 3 months before he died. He was still recovering from throat surgery and couldn't but one of the band members did. He only made it about halftway through the second set, but we all knew that he wasn't well. No autographs, no visits. He almost collapsed on stage. It's so sad to see that olks like him and Ella keep on performing when they should be enjoying retirement because they need the money.

[@Noname-dd6ly]

I would be curious to know how many great blues black genius are dead without really a lot of money...Yes is so sad...it 's so...blues

[@liquidvisual]

Sometimes they do it because it keeps their band members working.

[@HUSEYiNADANA88]

he is not human! god of the blues! you are number one

[@susannablue]

Living in Mtl. '67, '68, James invited me to see him at L'Hibou in Ottawa - when I got there the first set was on, but they locked the doors, charging for ea. set. I was standing under a large light, just outside the door - James, walking around & playing, mic cord over his shoulder - was it the Creeper or Blues in my Sleep? & saw me outside, reached out, yanked me in, never missing a note -- after the set, the owner came & asked me to PAY the cover..I told him to go see James...what a nite...

[@kendalllaughon9664]

Sue Devoe 🍒🍒🍒

[@Jameslopez5682]

Hello Sue how are you doing hope you’re having a great time with your family may God bless you and your family

[@humankindmedia9741]

Mr. Cotton, I owe you so much, I can't even count. I'm a pretty good harp player who has lifted dozens of licks from you or the other people who've done the same. More to the point, your sound and energy inspired me to push past the simple stuff and go for the gritty, sophisticated blues-rock style you introduced. I'm sure Magic Dick, Huey Lewis, Sugar Blue, Jason Ricci and dozens of others would agree. You were a force of nature and a pioneer. Thank you for all you taught us!

[@kenfranks1714]

Saw JCB in '82. The man was possessed; rolling somersaults in the aisle, right at my feet. Super Harp, god his lungs were bursting. This tune closed one set. He was a young man and just filled the room w/his spirit. You had to be there to know. *****Star performance.

[@kenfranks1714]

Saw JCB in '82. The man was possessed; rolling somersaults in the aisle, right at my feet. Super Harp, god his lungs were bursting. This tune closed one set. He was a young man and just filled the room w/his spirit. You had to be there to know. *****Star performance.

[@WhatWentWrong22441]

This guy has more talent in his hair than the entire modern music industry.

[@ronalda.saname396]

You are 100% correct.

[@ColinDDC]

How could anyone know what the blues is before seeing this? I've been lost all this time. This is just amazing.

[@shawnwright5332]

Mr superharp himself James cotton live in Chicago my favorite album of all time👍🇨🇦

[@Pop3395]

Lee Oskar of war. Always my harp hero. Led me to Sonny Boy. And James Cotton. An underrated musical instrument. In the hands of these artist. Mind Blowing!

[@paganballs]

Saw him in Toronto about 5 years ago. Great show, killer band, and James himself was fabulous. Got to shake the man's hand. Aces, baby, aces!

[@SylvermanMusic]

the best harp player in the WORLLLLLLLLDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@andyrosstate]

This is brilliant! I'm such a fan of James and he's really having a great time here (bursting out laughing in the middle of a harp break, just brilliant!) I'm glad to say that I saw him many years ago at Colne in the UK and managed to get a signed poster, Just one of the Best ever!

[@caracho1980]

This man got a everytime-state-of-the-art harpsound! Gorgeous! THanks for posting that video!!!!!

[@MrDjembeclaude]

I saw him in 1985 at Quebec City...Wonderfull

[@5150zombie]

Thanks for uploading this. Its made my day a few times.

[@sayyes2bull]

damn, man. don't hurt yourself! love it.

[@jimhealey4961]

I've been playing bass since 1968, recently introduced to Mr. Harp. Amazing, he plays like an angel. I've played with a lot of fake musicians, but this guy is legit!

[@charlesmack1]

Feels good to see this video. We do it with James without the sax. Love it!

[@JesseCSmithJr]

Watching great talent is such a gift.

[@shuaiflip]

It's always a treat to see Mr. Cotton as I always call him when I see him and Pinetop still tearing it up at Antone's after 30 years. Bless Cliff for bringing him to Austin. Last year when he sat in with Johnny Winter at Antone's I swear could feel Cliff, and all the Saints in the place that night! Talk about your Cosmic Cowboys! While we have Mr Cotton and so many basing out of Austin, NYC go see Les Paul still doing his weekly show! Let him Les Paulverize you!

[@diabluz]

Hohner Marine Band in the key of A, definitely tough to play like this, it's the sense of rhythm, the tone, everything, he's the master on that!

[@leeyost8007]

Mid 60's Fillmore West…Bill Graham turned us all onto Cotton, Muddy Waters, BB King, Butterfield, Miles Davis, Freddy King, Albert King all of em' fantastic…thanks Mr. Graham for a lifetime of BLUES

[@JaySchwartz]

Absolutely amazing! Something to aspire to ... really!

[@lazur1]

The late Kennard Johnson on drums, also played on some Steve Miller records. From the electrified delta blues of Chicago's south side, to the James Brown beats and BB King-influenced guitar mixed into the west side blues, Cotton took Chicago blues into its third incarnation : high energy.

[@SteveStalzle]

The master at work! I'm guessing this is the 19 eighties?

[@SteveYates-uo4dq]

❤❤I personally love the 1920’s blues harp and I would sit in my bedroom eyes closed just loving every note played xx

[@Hiperruimteindustriee]

It's a massive pity the general public doesn't have any taste whatsoever, and therefore doesn't listen to the blues. -from a South African teenager.

[@stevefanger2838]

Little Walter had so much melodic inventiveness as well as fabulous tone & technique. His playing on the Muddy Waters stuff from the 50's & 60's is unsurpassed for economy & excitement. There've been some great players - Sonny Boy - Sonny Terry & Big Walter but LW had so much more in terms of beautiful runs & high flying harp that is breathtaking!... So much variation!

[@WeAreNotAmused]

Ask me the finest parts of blues are when or at least the finest fruits of it that I enjoy and acknowledges when it's on point and really swinging like this kind of stuff it kind of speaks to its own purpose. These. Last few videos have been solud gold

[@moncefmrad7299]

toute la musique du monde entier m'inspire , surtout le jazz , le blues sans oublier la musique des noirs américains.

[@c4abundance]

Traveled with James in an old Ford Van to Monterey Pop Festival from their BenLomond Gig 1974, after previously traveling with them in 1972 down around Florida … bass player, then the drummer. James visited house in1985 asking me to head back out on the road.

[@tataso]

By god this harmonic is on fire!

[@SonnyBoyFreud]

The last of the original architects of amplified harmonica. Singular tONE, unrivaled inTENsity.

[@jmsbk12345]

Fabulous. Without doubt the second greatest blues harpist of all time.

[@comunicalejo]

Definitivamente uno de los mejores!!! Grande James Cotton..

[@MichaelLariviere-dz4jq]

The great James Cotton

[@alyse12777]

Date:Oct 28 1988 Charles R. Calmese, 34, a native Chicagoan who played bass in several top rock and blues bands, died in Hartford, Conn., from injuries sustained in an auto accident. Mr. Calmese began his musical career in Chicago at 16 with the James Cotton Band, recording and touring in the United States and Canada for eight years. He moved to Willimantic, Conn., in 1975. He performed with such musicians as Muddy Waters, Ike &Tina Turner, Johnny and Edgar Winter, Chuck Berry and Mat...

[@riskyvirga69]

take my time to watch more and more again.

[@johntrik]

This is so true!!! Pure magic!!!

[@mmzait]

@2009framat Charles passed away in 1988 in an automobile accident on Route 6 in CT. He is deeply missed for his musicianship and generous spirit. He was awarded a Platinum album for Steve Miller's Fly Like and Eagle and Book of Dreams and a Grammy for Muddy Water's album Hard Again. More recently, we also lost drummer,Kenard (Kenny) Johnson.

[@55tuddy]

What a rhythm section Kennard Johnson on drums and Nate Applewhite on bass..

[@bluesharp3515]

Keep it Coming James!!!!! YEAH!!!!!

[@loanslayer13]

SICK!!

[@bobke114]

Cotton was one of the last great Chicago blues guys...He played in a lot of historic rock and roll albums. Good guy ...

[@MARACUTAIA239]

Abe Gibron kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYDGcomAeb-ipZo I tryied to play a 2001 Version Love this guy. James, and Little Walter are my favorite harp sucker players. Jaja 😈

[@bobke114]

I gave that a listen...strong on the harp. I had the honor of knowing Cotton a long time and spent a lot of time around him. I am not a musician but Cotton taught me a lot about life in general. I guess Buddy is the last of the Chicago cats thats still around. Check out Kim Wilson on harp.

[@MARACUTAIA239]

Abe Gibron creeps, creeps again

[@MrCARLOSPEREZ2012]

TUVE LA GRANDIOSA OPORTUNIDAD DE VERLO EN VIVO HACE UNOS AÑOS EN ARGENTINA... UN COPO Y SI LOS HAY !!!!!!!!

[@wtfthano]

RIP sir. 1935- 2017

[@wadesternator4787]

RIP Blues Brother

[@stevemeyer8027]

Eagles Auditorium 1968 blew the place down…many New Year’s Eve’s in BC…also his bro Otis Spann

[@TMGLost]

I'm guessing this is mid-to-late 1970's - this is the time period I saw him play at "The Place", a bar in Eugene, Oregon. Best blues shows I've ever witnessed.

[@MACGATELEY]

And yet another of my heroes

[@larrybeetree]

no. They were at Ford Auditorium around l971 or 72 opening for Marshall Tucker and Charlie Daniel's Band. Matt Murphy(g), same drummer, Little Bo(Ts) I had to leave after James band. They were tight and they swung for blues leaving the southern rock bands in a heap of dust.

[@susannablue]

My old friend James -- just like he was in '67, '68 and '69 -- always fun and crazy and brilliant

[@remingtonride]

what a band - JC in his prime

[@rbaleksandar]

0:38 - 1:11 That is so coooooool! ^^ The whole performance is damn brilliant.

[@BILLMCLEANJAZZ]

All Right!! Awesome!! Thanks for sharing!! Totally enjoyed it!

[@curleyteeth]

Listen to him on the album Hard Again with Muddy Waters and JohnnyWinters and you will realise what a master he really is.

[@tedpowers2045]

I had it on cassette and was playing it on my box and I drove off and all was gone I came back. I cried

[@tohtohtohtohtohtoh]

it's not about ur talent, its about work and desire

[@owencurley3520]

Wow!!

[@erwiniost]

Tremendo Tema!!!! realmente una inspiracion.... Gracias por subir esos videos bro.

[@alyse12777]

charles was leaving a gig in Mass going back to CT. Car accident. my birthday. he is so missed.

[@HazySpirit]

This guy is amazing !

[@rinskepv]

I got to see him in the 70s and got to shake his hand also - so awesome!!!!

[@Capo51]

Just amazing! 👍. One of his own, in harmonica.

[@lucaquintiliovalentinimara2059]

He Was one of the greatest #harmonica player of the world. In which key is the Song?

[@elc1960]

@dcoch2000 Good move. James was the guy who replaced Little Walter in Muddy Waters' band (that's James on "Got My Mojo Workin' " and "Walkin' Thru The Park"). This clip was from the time when James was still able to sing (he had throat cancer in the late '90s, but overcame it; unfortunately it robbed him of the ability to sing). His solo albums to start with are "The Vanguard Years" and his Alligator Records releases "High Compression" and his live album.

[@walydrums3380]

Pufff me encanta cotton es increíble este tipo un crack de verdad

[@Fr3derick]

Excellent!!! So enjoyable:) Grandma mary

[@preissert]

To whoever was asking about they key, James plays it on an A harp (3rd position). He is one of my top four, with Big Walter, Little Walter, and George Smith... can I even limit it to four!!!!

[@TheShakeylee]

This is second position work, not third.

[@edhuey1]

Actually its in the key of E for the band. That would be an A harp in 2nd position. Third position is the key of B minor.

[@ChromaticHarp]

YES SIR!!!! BADAQSS RIGHT THERE!!!

[@nitropost]

Lets see, 1969...ok 45 years ago, old Montreal forum (gone know) opening act for Janis Joplin, quite amusing really, some anglos from Town of Mount Royal were shouting at him to get OFF, while the francos edging him on, gives you an idea about who appreciated Janis more for what she was.

[@mcleanartists]

I'll never forget being in The Oakridge with Scruff when Cotton walks in and yells HEY MAN!

[@2009framat]

@alyse12777 Thank you for the info. I read once that he died at the young age of 34 but I did not know that he started so young with Cotton. So when I bought my James Cotton records in 1980-82 he was still alive. It is a shame that he is now almost forgotten. He deserved better. Same with Jerome Arnold. But that is proably the fate of many bassplayers.

[@richardgrady8892]

Awesome rhythm thank you!!

[@PanamaHarmonicas]

Gracias Diabluz por subir estos materiales Bro... estan notable!! Saludos

[@Yeuxducoeur]

Holy shit after listening to him, my soul just went balistic just amazing!!

[@SanctuaryOfDissent]

this is the most awesome show ive ever seen in my whole life....lol

[@dontmugurself]

They're just having fun :) no one's hatin. Clearly freakin' amazing talent!