James Yancey Jones, better known to blues audiences as Tail Dragger, passed away today at the age of 81. He received his moniker from the great Howlin’ Wolf back in the 1960’s because of his penchant for being late for gigs. Long a fixture of the Chicago blues scene, Tail Dragger put out a series of singles in the 70’s & 80’s and then, after being released from prison for killing fellow bluesman Boston Blackie in the late 1990’s, issued 4 critically acclaimed albums on the Delmark record label.

My favorite Tail Dragger recording is an album that he did with Bob Corritore back in 2012 entitled Long Time Friends in the Blues. Give the songs Please Mr. Jailer and Sugar Mama a listen as examples of his talent and the Chicago blues he loved so much!