news
The ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Newport Baptist Church in Ebenezer. James is buried in the church cemetery.
James' electric style built on the music of Robert Johnson and later influenced many blues and rock guitarists. James built his style on Johnson's boogie bass runs and slide guitar methods.
James learned about electronically amplifying his guitar while working at his adopted brother Robert Holston's radio repair shop in Canton.
He played on radio shows in Mississippi and Arkansas. He made his debut recording in 1951.
After "Dust My Broom" became a national R&B hit, James began touring and moved frequently between Mississippi and Chicago.