Music world rocked by death of another guitar legend: ‘Boldly innovative’

The music world has lost another legend as pioneering guitarist James “Blood” Ulmer has died.

He was 86.

NPR was the first to report his death. The outlet said that he passed away on June 3 at the Upper Eastside Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in New York City.

“With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing for James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist, singer, composer, and beloved family member,” a statement from his family read.

The statement said that Ulmer was a native of St. Matthews, South Carolina, and that after high school he moved to Pittsburgh where he got married, had two children, and began working with doo-wop groups. That paved the way for Ulmer to begin touring the United States and Europe.

“Following Blood’s final concert at the Detroit Jazz Festival on September 1, 2024, his health began to decline, and he entered a quieter season away from the road and the stage,” the family’s statement added.

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“To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary, and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique,” it continued. “To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller, and a source of strength. To Eva, his wife and partner, James was her rock, her hero, and her beloved companion at sixteen years. His music was fearless, and so was his spirit.”

Ulmer’s jazz and blues stylings prompted New York Times critic Robert Palmer to call him “the most original electric guitarist to emerge since the late Jimi Hendrix,” in 1981.

Ulmer’s discography included at least 30 albums.

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