James "Boogaloo" Bolden - BB Kings Band Leader- Exclusive Interview- DJ Success

James “Boogaloo” Bolden
(Biography)
Born February 9, 1950 to James and Rachel Bolden in Houston, Texas. Growing up, his love for music grew with each passing year. Finally at age 12, James began his musical training under the guidance of Edmund C. Broussard. James attended Jack Yates High School in Houston, Texas. His experiences in High School set the stage for the years to come. He was a member of his school band and choir and had the opportunity to study classical trumpet from Houston's Symphony Trumpeter, Richard Shaefer.

When he wasn’t practicing with the band or rehearsing with the choir, James still found the time to be a member of the R&B Soul Bands, Ambassadors of Soul and Chocolate Glass. James attended Texas Southern University, and was a member of the world-renowned Ocean of Soul marching band and the TSU Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Lanny Steele and Howard Harris.
James went on to play with local union bands that performed with a wide array of artists such as Stevie Wonder, Issac Hayes, Temptations, Supremes, Spinners and James Brown. James was then given the opportunity to join the Duke Ellington Orchestra. While in the Orchestra, James gained even more knowledge from artist such as Harry Carney, Money Johnson, Mercer Ellington, and Cootie Williams.
After performing with the Orchestra for many years, James joined B.B. King’s band where he later became the bandleader. He has been with B.B. King for 31 Years.