"The Blues is a music that allows you to be yourself and to me being a bluesman is one of the highest callings on God's earth."

Eddie Cotton, Jr.: Here I Come 

Eddie Cotton, Jr. is an electric blues guitarist from Clinton, Mississippi. A minister’s son, Eddie Cotton Jr. grew up singing and playing gospel music at church and playing the music of blues legends like B.B. King at home. Cotton studied music theory at Jackson State University in his hometown of Jackson, MS, then went on to serve as minister of music at his father’s church. This seemingly unlikely combination of musical interests is precisely what engages Cotton’s audiences, who appreciate his combination of classic electric blues with funky rhythms, soulful vocals and some downright blistering guitar playing.

Eddie Cotton has shared line-ups with Honey Boy Edwards, Hubert Sumlin, Bobby Rush, King Edward, B.B. King, Little Milton Campbell, Ike Turner, Buddy Miles, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, John Mayall, Sony Rhodes, Grady Champion, Zac Harmon, Smokey Wilson, Cassandra Wilson, Mable Staples, Brandy, The William Brothers, Paul Overstreet, Charlie Pride, Marty Stewart, Dorothy Moore, Johnny Lang, Etta James, Gladys Knight, Pattie Labelle, Chaka Khan, Nannette Workman, Ohio Players, The Temptations and more. Whether he’s punctuating old favorites with his own inflections or crooning a Cotton original with stunning energy, audiences are sure to take notice of this blues artist who demonstrates deep respect and appreciation for his craft. On his third album "Here I Come" Mississippi born Eddie is out to prove everything is up to date on the delta. Cotton performs 10 uniquely original tracks backed by Myron Bennett (bass), Samuel Scott, Jr. (drums) and guest artists Grady Champion (harmonica), Carlos Russell (harmonica) and Sam Brady (organ). 

Interview by Michael Limnios

What do you learn about yourself from the blues and what does the blues mean to you?

It teaches me to be real and true to myself as long as it’s right and it’s like my great grandparents leaving me a billion dollars it’s as close as I’ll ever be to being a super hero.

What experiences in your life have triggered your ideas for songs most frequently?

Things that make me think I love cleverness and wisdom just things that make sense.

How do you describe Eddie Cotton sound and progress, what characterize your music philosophy?

I love to groove and pocket and I try to always try to write about the truth whatever the situation may be.

"It (Blues) teaches me to be real and true to myself as long as it’s right and it’s like my great grandparents leaving me a billion dollars it’s as close as I’ll ever be to being a super hero."

Which is the most interesting period in your life? Which was the best moment of your career?

Going to college and from 2000 to 2005 was the best time of my career.

Why did you think that the Blues continues to generate such a devoted following? What means to be Bluesman?

Cause it is a music that allows you to be yourself and to me being a bluesman is one of the highest callings on God's earth.

Make an account of the case of the blues in Mississippi. What are the differences from the other southern scenes?

Down south we are doing new things with the blues and not just trying to sound like the old masters.

What has made you laugh lately and what touched (emotionally) you from the Blues circuits?

Seeing younger players wanting to play the blues.

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of music?

The showmanship and to compete down south you must be a showman.

Why the blues started at Mississippi? What are the lines that connect the legacy of Blues, then and nowadays?

I don't care what your style is if there is no feeling then you’re just playing chords and scales.

What are some of the most memorable gigs and jams you've had? Which memory makes you smile?

The Ameristar casino Bottle Neck Blues Bar.

Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you? What is the best advice ever given you?

My father's church.

"I love to groove and pocket and I try to always try to write about the truth whatever the situation may be."

Are there any memories from recording and show time which you’d like to share with us?

Live at the Alamo was special.

Let’s take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really wanna go for a whole day..?

To Africa to learn from the bushmen!

Eddie Cotton, Jr - official website