James Witherspoon (August 8, 1920 – September 18, 1997) was an American jump blues and jazz singer. == Early life, family and education == Witherspoon was born in Gurdon, Arkansas. His father was a railroad worker who sang in local choirs, and his mother was a piano player. Witherspoon's grandson Ahkello Witherspoon is a cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams. Witherspoon served in the Merchant Marines until 1944. == Career == Witherspoon first attracted attention singing in Calcutta, India, with... [more on Wikipedia]