Jimmy Dotson, American blues musician, Died at 83

James Dent “Jimmy” Dotson was born on October 19, 1933, and died on March 26, 2017.

He was an American blues singer, guitarist, and drummer.

Dotson’s best known track was “I Need Your Love”, a song he co-composed with Jerry West.

Jimmy has spent over sixty-year in his career, Dotson variously played alongside Silas Hogan, Lightnin’ Slim, Slim Harpo, Lazy Lester, Albert King, O. V. Wright, Rufus Thomas, Ivory Joe Hunter, Buddy Guy, Son Seals, and Isaac Hayes.

Dotson released three singles on different record labels between 1959 and 1963.

Dotson was not to be confused, although in some listings is, with the similarly named American soul singer, who recorded for a string of labels, including Mercury in the 1960s and early 1970s.

He had suffered a heart attack in 1997, and a resulting stroke and complications from diabetes took their toll so that, by 2014, the Houston Blues Society held a benefit event to help offset his medical bills.

Jimmy Dotson passed away at 83 years old.