The Jazzcat

Bluesman Little Milton, born James Milton Campbell,

passed away this morning, August 4. The 71-year old Blues Hall of Fame,

W.C. Handy Award winning and Grammy nominated guitarist never awoke

from a coma following a stroke he suffered on July 27.

Born in the Mississippi Delta near Inverness, Mississippi on September

7, 1934, Little Milton spent more than five decades in the industry.

Often compared to B.B. King, he developed his own unique sound by

fusing early country & western music and the Mississippi Delta

gospel and blues. Though acclaimed in blues circles, Campbell never

achieved the fame of King; nevertheless, his nearly constant touring

took him all over the world.

Little Milton became an accomplished musician by the time he was a

teenager, playing by ear and learning from his father “Big” Milton.

Campbell was discovered by Ike Turner and recorded his first hit for

Sun Records at age 18. He signed with Bobbin Records in East St. Louis

and recorded “I'm A Lonely Man” and “That Will Never Do” and went on to

record the 1965 hit “We're Gonna Make It” for Chess Records. Campbell

recorded “Little Bluebird” for Stax Records in 1971 and scored other

hits including “Grits Ain't Groceries” and “If Walls Could Talk.”

In 1984, Little Milton signed with Malaco Records.

This marked the

beginning of his longest professional association, as well as the

beginning of the last chapter in his illustrious career. He became one

of the label's biggest selling artists and earned the distinction of

being inducted to the Blues Hall of Fame, winning the W.C. Handy Blues

Entertainer of the Year award in 1988 and being nominated for a Grammy

Award in 2000. During his tenure with Malaco he released fourteen

albums that included the hits “Annie Mae's Cafe”, “Cheatin' Habit” and

his anthem to the music he loved “Blues Is Alright.” Most importantly,

Little Milton will be remembered for his contributions to this genre of

music and the education thereof.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made

to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in memory of Little Milton.

Send the

donations to: Memorial and Honor Program, St. Jude Children’s Research

Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or call:

1-800-873-6983.