Jimmy Nolen (Born 3rd April, 1934)

[john poole]

Jimmy Nolen - born 3rd April, 1934 (Oklahoma City) [died 18th December, 1983]

He had half a dozen singles issued by King/Federal Records during 1955/7, including 'After Hours' (named by Roy Buchanan as his favourite record - he said Nolen was the first person he saw bending guitar strings). 'The Way You Do' (1956) should appeal to admirers of James Hunter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3044iCMQuE

He replaced Pete "Guitar" Lewis in the Johnny Otis Show in 1957, famously playing on 'Willie and the Hand Jive' and (I think) 'Castin' My Spell' (1959 - vocal by Johnny & Marci Lee)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch6rCaibNe8

He had his own band in the early 60s, mainly backing other artists including George "Harmonica" Smith. Joined James Brown in 1965 - his first session was 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag' - James' first UK hit. Formed a partnership with the other guitarist Alphonso "Country" Kellum (who joined James the same year) until 1970 when the entire band quit.
'Give It Up or Turnit a Loose' (1969)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1_ctj5jx_s

Jimmy rejoined the JB's in 1972 and remained for the rest of his life.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Nolen

[Adam Blake]

Great guitar hero. Lovely selection, John, thank you.

[Alan Balfour]

In 1984 Lee Hildebrand interviewed Nolen at length which was published that year by Guitar Player under the title of A Rare Interview with James Brown’s Longtime Sideman - the Father of Funk Guitar. I think it was reprinted by them a couple of times, once as a truncated form of obituary.