Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

ARNOLD, James 'Kokomo'

(b 15 Feb. '01, Lovejoy TX; d 8 Nov. '68, Chicago) Blues singer, guitarist. Worked mostly outside of music in New York State and Chicago; made two sides for Victor '30 in Memphis under the name of Gitfiddle Jim, more for Decca in Chicago and NYC '34--8. Acquired nickname from 'Old Original Kokomo Blues' '34 (Kokomo was a brand of coffee, as well as a town in Indiana). Highly regarded by critics and collectors; made comeback in Chicago at height of folk-blues revival (Gate of Horn club, '62). Compilation Bottleneck Guitar is shared with tracks by Casey Bill Weldon.