Jimmy McCracklin

Jimmy McCracklin is a blues survivor-an old-timer with the right credentials for a living blues legend.

Not only has this prolific singer-songwriter played the blues scene for more than 40 years, he's written some classic songs that include B.B. King's biggest hit, "The Thrill Has Gone;" and Aretha Franklin's, "Think," which in fact helped her define her style.

As the first blues artist to appear on Dick Clark's American Bandstand show in the late 1950s, McCracklin helped to popularize the blues among young white teenagers. His first hit was "The Walk" in 1958, and since then there's been no stopping him-he has over 30 albums to his credit.

Because of his songwriting and production genius, McCracklin frequently produces and writes for other artists, including Lowell Fulson, Johnny Otis, Freddie King and Room Full of Blues.

The level of his professional recognition reached a new high in 1991, when he was selected to receive the Pioneer Award For Lifetime Achievement from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in Washington D.C. When McCracklin was presented with the award, Bonnie Raitt responded by calling him "the greatest blues singer-songwriter continuing to work."

Simply put, McCracklin is a master at portraying inner conflict and psychodrama within the confines of a four-minute song. Constantly touring and songwriting, McCracklin has played every major blues and jazz festival around the world, including the Monterey Jazz Festival, mainly because he presents one of the most exciting acts in the history of blues and rock music.

Joining McCracklin on stage is Sweet Nectar: vocalists Tia Carroll, Sue McCracklin, Angela Palmer and Maureen Smith; Frank Goldwasser (Paris Slim) on guitar; and Gino Landry on saxophone.