Source Material: James Cotton – “Rocket 88”

James Cotton was a blues harmonica player, singer, and songwriter from Tunica, Mississippi.  In the early ’50s, he started his career as a harmonica player in Howlin Wolf’s band.  A few years later, Cotton was recruited by Muddy Waters to join his band.  Cotton became the bandleader, and he performed with Waters until 1965.  In 1965, Cotton formed the Jimmy Cotton Blues Quartet.  Two years later, his quartet evolved into the James Cotton Blues Band.  Cotton had his sights on a solo career, and by the mid-’70s, he released a number of solo albums.  In 1974, he released his fifth album, 100% Cotton, on Buddah Records.  “Rocket 88” is one of the album standouts.

James Cotton – “Rocket 88”