James Cotton has been a fixture on the blues harmonica scene for over sixty years. He is a crowd pleaser known for his powerful, hard driving, and energetic performances. Cotton was born in Tunica, Mississippi, in 1935. Before he was ten years old he was taken under the wing — and into the house — of Sonny Boy Williamson II, who became his teacher and mentor.

Cotton's first major gig was playing with Howlin' Wolf for four years beginning in 1950. In 1954 Cotton replaced Little Walter as Muddy Waters' harmonica player and stayed with him for twelve years, until 1966. Then in 1967 Cotton became the leader of his own band, the James Cotton Blues Band. A teacher in his own right, he has had many high caliber harp students, among them Paul Butterfield and Peter Wolf. Cotton continues to perform to this day.