b. James McCracklin, a.k.a. James David Walker, St. Louis, Missourri, U.S.A.
d. 20th December 2012, San Pablo, California, U.S.A.
Jimmy McCracklin was famous for his R&B compositions, which amounted to over 1000 in total, Jimmy recorded some 30 album releases during his career (which spanned seven decades).
He was a founder of the West Coast Blues sound of the post-War era.
Jimmy was drafted into the United States Navy in 1938.
He was seen as a promising boxer, staying in Los Angeles after his national service, fighting under the name ‘Jimmy Mackey’ in the light-heavyweight division.
He later relocated to California, performing at the Club Savoy.
Jimmy's first single arrived in 1945, recorded for the Globe Records imprint, entitled 'Miss Mattie Left Me' b/w 'Mean Mistreated Lover', which was followed by 'Highway 101' b/w 'Baby Don't You Want To Go' & 'Street Loafin' Woman' b/w 'Achin' Heart' a year later.
He later recorded for Modern Records during 1949 and 1950.
Other imprints he recorded for included Down Town, Trilon, Marvel, Old Swing Master, Swingtime, Cava-Tone, Peacock, Courtney, Stax, Mercury and Excelsior.
Jimmy later appeared on Dick Clark's show 'American Bandstand'. performing 'The Walk' in 1957.
twist with jimmy mccracklin - 1961 / jimmy mccracklin sings - 1962
think - 1965 / every night. every day - 1965
In 1961, he released his debut album, entitled 'Twist' for the Crown Records imprint.
In 1967, Otis Redding and Carla Thomas scored with the song 'Tramp', penned by Jimmy and Lowell Fulson.
During the 1970's Jimmy ran the Continental Club in San Francisco, and recorded for the Stax Records imprint.
Jimmy continued to tour and release albums through the 1980's and 1990's.
jimmy in 1989
A favourite of Bob Dylan, Jimmy played at the San Francisco Blues Festival in 1973, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1984 and 2007.
He was awarded a Pioneer Award by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1990, and the Living Legend and Hall of Fame award at the Bay Area Black Music Awards, in 2007.
Jimmy McCracklin died after a long illness in December 2012. He was 91.
Albums:
Twist With Jimmy McCracklin (Crown Records 1961)
Jimmy McCracklin Sings (Crown Records 1962)
I Just Gotta Know (Imperial Records 1962)
My Rockin Soul (Imperial Records 1963)
Every Night, Every Day (Imperial Records 1965)
Think (Imperial Records 1965)
My Answer (Imperial Records 1966)
New Soul Of Jimmy McCracklin (Imperial Records 1966)
A Piece Of Jimmy McCracklin (Minit Records 1968)
Let's Get Together (Minit Records 1968)
Stinger Man (Minit Records 1969)
High On The Blues (Stax Records 1971)
Yesterday Is Gone (Stax Records 1972)
Same Lovin' (Evejim Records 1989)
A Taste Of The Blues (Bullseye Blues Records 1994)
