Bonnie Blue: James Cotton’s Life in the Blues

James Cotton was one of the most influential blues musicians of all time yet remains relatively unknown. As a harmonica player and virtuoso musician, Cotton contributed greatly to the blues genre and helped inspire its modern sound.

Cotton’s life story is shaped by American history – from his birth in Mississippi into poverty and his work as a child in the cotton fields to his development as a musician in Chicago alongside influential artists to his breakthrough as part of the legendary Muddy Waters’ band. Throughout his career, Cotton played with artists including Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, Santana, the Grateful Dead, and many others. This documentary, which features great music, is the story of an impressive but forgotten musician who’s finally getting his due.