Jimmy McCracklin
Jimmy McCracklin was an influential American blues pianist, singer, and songwriter known for his West Coast blues style and hits like "The Walk." His career spanned over seven decades, from the 1940s until his death in 2012. Born James David Walker Jr. on August 13, 1921, in Helena, Arkansas, he moved to St. Louis, Missouri, at age 9. There, pianist Walter Davis, a friend of his father, became his primary influence on piano.
McCracklin served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, then pursued music after a boxing injury and car accident ended that path. By 1945, he settled in the San Francisco Bay Area, forming Jimmy McCracklin and His Blues Blasters in 1946. He recorded for labels like Modern Records, with guitarist Lafayette "Thing" Thomas joining in the early 1950s.
His 1958 single "The Walk" reached the Top 10 on the pop charts and was performed on American Bandstand. He also wrote "Tramp," a Top 5 R&B hit for Lowell Fulson in 1967 and Otis Redding/Carla Thomas. McCracklin claimed uncredited authorship of B.B. King's "The Thrill Is Gone," though disputed.
He owned Bay Area clubs, launched nine record labels including Art-Tone, and ran music publishing firms. Albums continued into the soul era with Imperial Records, and his final release, Hey Baby, came in 2010. Awards included the Blues Hall of Fame induction (2008) and Bay Area Black Music Awards honors.
Admired by B.B. King, Bob Dylan, and Bonnie Raitt, McCracklin died on December 20, 2012, in San Pablo, California, at age 91.
The Stinger Man
Written-By – F. Robinson
2:33
A2 You Ain't Nothing But A Devil
Written-By – J. McCrackin
2:42
A3 I've Been Trying
Written-By – M. Galore, Vee Pea
2:43
A4 You're In My Book First
Written-By – J. McCrackin
2:40
A5 Drown In My Own Tears
Written-By – H. Glover
3:35
A6 I Had To Get With It
Written-By – J. McCrackin
2:58
B1 What's Going On?
Written-By – J. McCrackin
2:29
B2 You Know Who To Turn To
Written-By – J. McCrackin
3:12
B3 I Likes Ya
Written-By – F. Robinson
3:10
B4 I Know You Know I Know
Written-By – M. Galore, M. Higgins
2:43
B5 How About That?
Written-By – J. McCrackin
2:16
B6 Knock On Wood
Written-By – E. Floyd, S. Cropper
3:02
Label: Minit – LP-24017
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Soul-Blues
Released in 1969, Jimmy McCracklin's The Stinger Man is a highly regarded, strong, and underrated album blending upbeat soul-blues with funk influences. Featuring guitarist Freddy Robinson, the record offers a well-recorded, energetic sound that captures a pivotal moment of blues artists incorporating soul, making it a sought-after item.
The album features a mix of funk-heavy, soulful blues. It is noted for good sound quality and separation, with standout lead guitar work from Freddy Robinson. It is described by listeners as a "fun, strong album" that acts as a hidden gem from the era.
Released during a time when blues artists were incorporating funk and soul, it represents a mature, groovy sound for McCracklin. The original recordings are praised for their "punchy Mono" sound and "nice separation," making it a favorite for audiophiles seeking authentic 1960s party records.
The album is considered a great find for fans of late 60s, funk-influenced blues. While it didn't achieve massive commercial success at the time, it holds a high community rating (approximately 4.5/5 stars) on Discogs and is considered a must-own for fans of the San Francisco Bay Area blues scene.
Despite its "curiously hued funereal cover design," the music is vibrant and energetic. Original 1969 vinyl pressings are increasingly rare, with collectors often paying between £100 and £200 for copies in excellent condition, though modern reissues have made it more accessible to casual listeners.