Guitarist for Janis Joplin's Big Brother band dies

James was both a great guitarist (originally from Detroit) and an under
acknowledged musician of early psychedelia as was Big Brother and the
Holding Company, arguably more creative than Full Tilt Boogie ever was in
crafting a song but, not nailing it in the studio on the first take. One can see
what the Columbia stiff shirts liked and can only wonder how much longer
Janis may have stuck around, surrounded by James and Big Brother (her
extended family) IMHO.

I'm just listening to the Cheap Thrills vinyl (Columbia 360 Stereo, first press), "I
need a man to Love" and WoW! James will be missed.

Check out: http://www.bbhc.com/

God bless you brother!, RIP

We must not forget,Big Brother and the Holding Company were big before Janis showed up.RIP James.

The guitar playing on Cheap Thrills was like nothing before it. A true innovator.

James Gurley was on my first real rock record I bought as a kid in '69 - Cheap Thrills. I played that one to total destruction. May he pass and rest in peace and join that ever growing band of musical giants in the sky.

"Combination of the Two" is one of the best opening cuts on any album.

He's terrific on that.

Yes, he certainly rocked my (16 year old) world "back in the day".
Listen to "Piece of my Heart" on the "Cheap Thrills" LP.
Solid AxMan.
RIP