Kokomo Arnold

James "Kokomo" Arnold (February 15, 1896 or 1901 – November 8, 1968) was an American blues musician. A left-handed slide guitarist, his intense style of playing and rapid-fire vocal delivery set him apart from his contemporaries. He got his nickname in 1934 after releasing "Old Original Kokomo Blues" for Decca Records, a cover version of Scrapper Blackwell's blues song about the city of Kokomo, Indiana. Arnold was born in Lovejoy's Station, Georgia. Most sources give the date his birth as 1901, but the researchers Bob Eagle and Eric LeBlanc give the date as 1896, on the basis of information in the 1900 census. He learned the basics of playing the guitar from his cousin, John Wiggs.
==Links to Peel==
Peel played some tracks from the blues musician, including one recorded under the name Gitfiddle Jim, which appeared on a Yazoo Records compilation in a transfer from a scratchy 78, as JP noted on a 1987 show (see below). Arnold's song "Milk Cow Blues" was recorded by other artists including Elvis Presley and the Kinks 
Peel chose Kokomo Arnold's 'Goin' Down In Galilee', as one of the songs for the Peelenium 1938.
==Shows Played==
;thumb|220x220px1969
*09 July 1969: The Twelves (Dirty Dozens)  (could well be from newly-released LP compilation Kokomo Arnold) Saydisc Matchbox
;1987
*29 September 1987: (as Gitfiddle Jim): Paddlin' Blues (Album, Comp.: The Georgia Blues 1927-1933) Yazoo (JP: 'It does rather sound as though he's being barbecued at the time of the recording, but I hope that didn't spoil your enjoyment. I sometimes think that it enhances it actually, because it gives it a certain amount of character.')
;1997
*25 January 1997: ‘Back To The Woods (Various Artists CD – How You Want It Done? (Country Blues Hard Hitters Volume 2))’ Pig Meat Records
;1999
*11 August 1999: 'Goin' Down In Galilee' (Peelenium 1938)
==External Links==
*Wikipedia
*Discogs
Category:Artists