Jimmy Rogers (born
1924, Ruleville,
Mississippi) is a
blues guitarist best known for his work as a member of
Muddy Waters' band of the 1950s. Raised in
Memphis, Tennessee he took up the instrument as a teenager and played professionally in East
St. Louis (where he played with
Robert Jr Lockwood[?]) before moving to
Chicago where he settled in
1947, after a spell in the services. He joined Waters the next year, with whom he helped shape the sound of the nascent Chicago Blues style. He stayed in Waters' band until launching a solo career on
Chess Records in 1954. Initially unsuccessful, he retired from music until
1971 when fashions made him a reasonable draw in Europe, and he was able to record again, including a
1977 session with Waters. He continues to record and tour.
See Also : the two Jimmie Rodgers, the singing brakeman and the 50s/60s pop singer.