Within the realm of Chicago Blues, there were few harp-blowers more impassioned and soulful than James Cotton. His career began in Memphis where he recorded a few singles for Sam Phillips in the early ?æ50s. When Muddy Waters and his band came to town, James Cotton ended up taking the place of Little Walter. Cotton began recording his own records in the late ?æ60s. A notoriously animated live performer, he continues to perform although throat difficulties have caused his voice to sound like Tom Waits coughing up gravel.
