James Madison (musician)

James "Pee Wee" Madison (May 4, 1935 – January 7, 2008)^[1] was an American blues guitar player.

James Madison
Madison at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival
Background information
Also known as	Pee Wee Madison
Born	(1935-05-04)May 4, 1935 Osceola, Arkansas, U.S.
Died	January 7, 2008(2008-01-07) (aged 72) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres	Blues
Occupation	Musician
Instrument	Guitar

Biography

Born in Osceola, Arkansas, he moved to Chicago in the late 1950s, molding his musicianship after that of Little Walter.^[2] His big chance came when he joined the band of Muddy Waters in 1963, replacing guitarist Pat Hare who was incarcerated for killing his girlfriend.^[3]

Starting in 1964, Madison played on most of Muddy Waters' recordings. He played with Muddy Waters' band until the ending of his world tour in 1973, mostly playing rhythm guitar on an upside-down Fender Mustang.^[4]

While traveling through Illinois with Muddy Waters on October 26, 1969, Madison was injured in an automobile accident. He spent two days in the hospital recovering from his injuries. The young couple that collided with the band's vehicle on U.S. Route 45 were both killed in the accident.^[5]

Madison died in Chicago on January 7, 2008, aged 72.^[1]

Discography

With Muddy Waters

• Muddy, Brass & the Blues (Chess, 1966)
• Live at Mr. Kelly's (Chess, 1971)
• Can't Get No Grindin' (Chess, 1973)

With Otis Spann

• The Blues Never Die! (Prestige, 1965)