James, Elmore
(1918–1963)
James, Elmore Joe Willie James, 27 January 1918; Richland, MS – 24 May 1963; Chicago, IL James, the son of Leola Brooks and an unknown father, was given his stepfather’s name. Years later he became Elmore, distinguishing himself from friend and frequent playing partner, Joe Willie Wilkins. James’s family moved from farm to farm in Holmes and surrounding counties. In Canton, the James family adopted Robert Earl Holston, an orphan the same age as Elmore. The two boys learned on homemade…