James "Boogaloo" Bolden

James “Boogaloo” Bolden is an African American musician and band leader.

Biography

He was born February 9, 1950 to James and Rachel Bolden in Houston, Texas. From youth on he had a passion for music. He learned to play classical trumpet during his high school years and was a member of the school choir.^[1] Later, Bolden also learned to play the guitar.

Playing with famous acts such as Stevie Wonder, Issac Hayes, Temptations, Supremes, The Spinners and James Brown he gained knowledge and reputation and was eventually asked to join Duke Ellington's band.^[1] He eventually joined B. B. King's Blues band and over the years became band leader of that band. He stayed with B. B. King for more than 30 years. King gave Bolden his nickname, "Boogaloo", because of Bolden's restless feet.^[2]

Bolden's own R&B band is called the James Boogaloo Bolden Blues Band.^[3]

Discography

Two albums have been released by the James Boogaloo Bolden Blues band.

1. Playing to the King, released in 2007^[4]

2. No News 'Jus' the Blues', released in 2013^[4][5]

References