<back - JIMMY ROGERS aka JAMES A. LANE -  James A. Lane was born in Ruleville, Mississippi, June 3/1924. He would later take the surname of his stepfather, Rogers. He taught himself how to play harmonica and guitar by listening to the records of popular artists such as Big Bill Broonzy, Memphis Minnie and performances of Sonny Boy Williamson on 'King Biscuit Time', KFFA radio in Helena, Arkansas.  His role in the revolution known as 'Chicago Blues' is as crucial as those of Little Walter, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Otis Spann and Willie Dixon. Jimmy Rogers was introduced to McKinley Morganfield later to be known world-wide as Muddy Waters, and together they pioneered the sound 'Chicago Blues' --1947-54.

In an interview Jimmy Rogers said: “We were the greatest Blues players out at that time”, referring to Muddy's band that the musicians called The Headhunters, due to their reputation of blowing bands off the stage with their houserockin' shows. This historic line up included Jimmy, Little Walter, Sunnyland Slim and Leroy Foster. In 1955, Jimmy left Muddy Waters Band to venture out as a bandleader and solo artist. Chicago Bound, a delicious slice of swinging Chicago Blues with semi-autobiographical lyrics, is every bit as evocative of such Windy city anthems as Goin’ to Chicago or Sweet Home Chicago. Another enduring classic is That’s All Right, one of the most-performed Blues songs of all time. Other Rogers’ creations are now considered part and parcel of the essential repertoire include Money, Marbles, n' Chalk, The World’s In A Tangle, The Last Time, Blues All Day Long, and Walking By Myself. His last Chess recording in 1959 yielded the classic Rock This House. Jimmy Rodgers retired from music business during the 1960s, returning to the studio in 1972 for Leon Russell's Shelter label, cutting his first LP, Gold-Tailed Bird. Thanks to numerous publications calling attention to the career of Jimmy his Chess recordings were reissued, a Grammy nomination, and WC Handy Awards, followed. Keith Richards said, "I recognize myself in there between Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Jimmy Rogers". At the behest of Clapton and Jagger, Jimmy was flown to London in June of 1992 for a series of tribute shows.  The result was a magnificent tribute album, Blues Blues Blues, featuring Lowell Fulson, Taj Mahal, Jeff Healey, Eric Clapton, and Mick Jagger. He was a prime builder in expanding the reach of the Blues to a wider audience, and a resounding performer-composer whose songs will never be equaled. Jimmy Rogers is survived by sons Jimmy Lane Jr, Willie and James, plus his daughters Angela, Jacquelean, Maryland, Debra, Vera and 17 grandchildren. Jimmy Rogers was inducted into the Blues Foundation's Hall of Fame in 1995. - Gary Tate/LivinBlues  MP3- Sloppy Drunk | Blow Wind Blow |