James Yancey Jones (1940 - 2023)

Born 30 Sep 1940 in Altheimer, Jefferson, Arkansas, United States

Died 4 Sep 2023 at age 82 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States

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Biography

James Jones is Notable.

Tail Dragger, despite his tragic past, remains a notable figure in the world of blues music. His enduring significance lies in his commitment to preserving and perpetuating the authentic, raw, and emotive Chicago blues tradition. Through his music and performances, he shared the rich heritage of the genre, carrying forward the legacy of blues pioneers like Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Muddy Waters. His distinctive voice, stage presence, and dedication to the "low-down" style of blues made him a respected and enduring artist, celebrated for his contributions to this deeply influential musical tradition. Despite the hardships he faced, Tail Dragger's music and passion for the blues continue to resonate with audiences, ensuring his lasting place in the history of this iconic American musical genre.^[1]

James Yancey Jones was born on September 30, 1940, in Altheimer, Jefferson County, Arkansas.^[1] His early life was marked by the divorce of his parents, which led to him residing with his mother, Rozelle, in Vaugine Township, alongside his grandparents, Ananias and Rosa Clay, and his great grandmother Callie Evans.^[2] It was during these formative years that he first encountered the blues, secretly listening to it on the family's battery-powered radio, much to the chagrin of his family, who often found the batteries drained before their Sunday gospel music sessions. His first live exposure to the blues came when he witnessed Sonny Boy Williamson II and Boyd Gilmore perform at a local club named Jack Rabbits in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.^[1]

In 1966, Jones moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he initially worked as an auto mechanic. His musical aspirations led him to perform locally, and he had the fortunate opportunity to sit in with his hero, Howlin' Wolf, at concerts. Inspired by the raw, gritty blues style of artists like Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters, and Willie Dixon, Jones adopted a "low-down" Chicago blues approach. He initially went by the nickname "Crawlin James," a moniker earned from his habit of crawling on stage while performing. Howlin' Wolf later dubbed him "Tail Dragger" due to his frequent lateness to gigs.^[1]

By the 1970s, Tail Dragger had transitioned into a full-time blues singer, collaborating with notable backing musicians such as Willie Kent, Hubert Sumlin, Carey Bell, Kansas City Red, Little Mack Simmons, Big Leon Brooks, and Eddie Shaw.^[1]

In 1993, Jones was involved in a tragic incident when he shot and killed another blues aficionado, Boston Blackie (Bennie Houston), over a dispute about money. He claimed self-defense and served 17 months in prison for manslaughter. Upon his release, he produced a highly regarded blues album, "Crawlin Kingsnake," in the '90s, featuring the hard-rocking blues reminiscent of West Side pioneers like Hound Dog Taylor. His voice had matured with age and experience, and he performed in sharp suits with a band. Tail Dragger's stage presence was striking, often ambling through the crowd, singing with his distinctive croak as mesmerized audiences watched.^[3][4][5]

In 2005, Tail Dragger released the CD/DVD "My Head Is Bald" on Delmark Records, showcasing his classic blues style. Songs like "My Woman Is Gone" and "Prison Blues" demonstrated his ability to deliver emotionally charged performances.^[1]

"Live at Rooster's Lounge" was released in 2009, also by Delmark Records, and in 2012, he collaborated with Bob Corritore on "Longtime Friends in the Blues."^[1]

Throughout his life, Jones was married six times and had several children. He passed away on September 4, 2023, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy as a revered figure in the Chicago blues scene.^[1]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7} Wikipedia contributors, "Tail Dragger Jones," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tail_Dragger_Jones&oldid=1175849935 (accessed November 2, 2023).
2. ↑ 1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: Vaugine, Jefferson, Arkansas; Roll: m-t0627-00146; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 35-59 Ancestry Record 2442 #101700085
3. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Illinois, 8 Jun 2018, Fri. - Page 5-4. "Tail Dragger." Accessed 2 Nov 2023.
4. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Illinois, 16 Jul 1993, Fri. - Page 156. "Blues Notes." Accessed 2 Nov 2023.
5. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Illinois, 10 Nov 2006, Fri. - Page 7-17. "Tail Dragger has paid dues to sing blues." Accessed 2 Nov 2023.

See Also

• Wikidata: Item Q2388588