Jimmy Dawkins, a Chicago bluesman, has died at age 76. Dawkins went by the nickname "Fast Fingers," which he earned for his renowned guitar skills. He passed away on April 10. The cause of death wasn't immediately known.
Bob Koester, the owner of the record label Delmark Records, confirmed Dawkins' death. "He didn't like his nickname. It gave the impression that he played only upbeat music," Koster told the Associated Press. "His voice was feathery, soft. He wasn't a shouter, which is unusual in blues."
Dawkins started his career on the streets of Chicago where he performed for tips. He went on to form a band in the 1960s, earning a career as being a great supporting player before breaking out in his own right. His first album, "Fast Fingers," premiered in 1969. Dawkins' last album, "Tell Me Baby," came out in 2004. He also contributed to the blues magazine Living Blues.
Bob Koester, the owner of the record label Delmark Records, confirmed Dawkins' death. "He didn't like his nickname. It gave the impression that he played only upbeat music," Koster told the Associated Press. "His voice was feathery, soft. He wasn't a shouter, which is unusual in blues."
Dawkins started his career on the streets of Chicago where he performed for tips. He went on to form a band in the 1960s, earning a career as being a great supporting player before breaking out in his own right. His first album, "Fast Fingers," premiered in 1969. Dawkins' last album, "Tell Me Baby," came out in 2004. He also contributed to the blues magazine Living Blues.
- 4/14/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Chicago — Chicago bluesman Jimmy "Fast Fingers" Dawkins, known for his stellar guitar playing and mellow singing voice, has died. He was 76.
Delmark Records owner Bob Koester said Friday that Dawkins died Wednesday. The cause of death wasn't immediately known.
James Henry Dawkins was born in Tchula, Miss. An only child, Dawkins taught himself to play guitar before moving to Chicago in the 1950s.
Koester said Dawkins did not begin his music career immediately, working instead in a box factory before taking to Chicago's streets to play for tips. He formed a band in the 1960s and began working Chicago's blues clubs, gaining a reputation as an excellent side man and playing with such notables as Otis Rush and Buddy Guy.
Dawkins first album, "Fast Fingers," released on the Delmark label in 1969, boosted Dawkins' reputation, particularly in Europe and Japan, where he toured frequently.
"He didn't like his nickname," Koester said.
Delmark Records owner Bob Koester said Friday that Dawkins died Wednesday. The cause of death wasn't immediately known.
James Henry Dawkins was born in Tchula, Miss. An only child, Dawkins taught himself to play guitar before moving to Chicago in the 1950s.
Koester said Dawkins did not begin his music career immediately, working instead in a box factory before taking to Chicago's streets to play for tips. He formed a band in the 1960s and began working Chicago's blues clubs, gaining a reputation as an excellent side man and playing with such notables as Otis Rush and Buddy Guy.
Dawkins first album, "Fast Fingers," released on the Delmark label in 1969, boosted Dawkins' reputation, particularly in Europe and Japan, where he toured frequently.
"He didn't like his nickname," Koester said.
- 4/13/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
[Above: Bob Koester with Buddy Guy at Delmark's 55th anniversary celebration in March 2008.]
“I think some of the writers really want to believe that it’s all over for blues in Chicago,” confides Bob Koester, owner of Delmark, the nation’s oldest independent record label. “If they’ll come to the [city], I’d be happy to show ‘em around some clubs on the North, South and West side, take ‘em to hear people like Byther Smith, Lurrie Bell, Jimmy Burns, Michael Coleman. it’s a long list.”...
“I think some of the writers really want to believe that it’s all over for blues in Chicago,” confides Bob Koester, owner of Delmark, the nation’s oldest independent record label. “If they’ll come to the [city], I’d be happy to show ‘em around some clubs on the North, South and West side, take ‘em to hear people like Byther Smith, Lurrie Bell, Jimmy Burns, Michael Coleman. it’s a long list.”...
- 10/21/2008
- Pastemagazine.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.