SKU: 83666423765

Sugar Blue - Cross Road

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Sugar Blue - Cross Road"Do you know James Joshua Whiting? Even he might have forgotten the name his parents gave him one December day in 1949 in New York, where he was born and later played his first tune on what would become his signature instrument the harmonica. Sugar Blue was born. For many years, James, now known as Sugar Blue, honed his technique through countless encounters, sessions, and concerts, some more fruitful and rewarding than others. His collaborations were

"Do you know James Joshua Whiting? Even he might have forgotten the name his parents gave him one December day in 1949 in New York, where he was born and later played his first tune on what would become his signature instrument-the harmonica. Sugar Blue was born.

For many years, James, now known as Sugar Blue, honed his technique through countless encounters, sessions, and concerts, some more fruitful and rewarding than others. His collaborations were numerous, especially with Louisiana Red, Johnny Shines, and Roosevelt Sykes. Yet, Sugar Blue's name, like those of his peers, often appeared in newspapers and on concert and bar posters-though rarely in large print or as the headliner. This limited his fame and kept him from truly taking off.

Sugar took on various odd jobs to make ends meet, even working as a shoeshiner in Harlem. Meanwhile, some of his friends, like Memphis Slim, were forging their own paths-paths that sometimes took surprising turns. Following a tour in France, Memphis Slim (born in 1915 in Memphis) decided to settle in Paris. This decision proved pivotal, as Memphis Slim was later officially named an Ambassador-at-Large by the U.S. Senate. He held this prestigious role as the "Blues Ambassador" until his death in February 1988 in Paris, where he spent his final years collecting honors and medals. Recognized as one of the architects of the "Chicago Sound," he was even made a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters by French Minister of Culture Jack Lang in 1986.

One day, Sugar decided to head to Europe himself, drawn by glowing reports, especially about France's long-standing love for jazz and blues. There, he reconnected with Memphis Slim, Ray Charles' former guitarist Mickey Baker, and pianist-composer Booker T. Laury, all of whom praised his talent. However, like many musicians, Sugar soon discovered that Paris was far from a promised land. He faced numerous struggles and setbacks after his arrival. That is, until a miraculous day in 1977.

While playing his harmonica in the Paris Métro, Sugar Blue crossed paths with Mick Jagger. The Rolling Stones were in Paris, recording at Pathé-Marconi studios in Boulogne-Billancourt for an album that would go on to have an incredible legacy: Some Girls, often regarded as their best album with guitarist Ron Wood. At the time, the Stones were stuck, feeling that something was missing from their work but unsure what it was.

When Jagger heard Sugar Blue and his harmonica electrify the subway, inspiration struck. He decided on the spot to include the harmonica and it's extraordinary player in the unfinished tracks of the album. Within hours, Sugar Blue made his mark, embedding his harmonica into various songs, particularly "Miss You" and "Some Girls," infusing them with an irresistible new sound. In addition to Billy Preston, who influenced the band's musical choices, many other musicians contributed to the album, including Faces pianist Ian McLagan, former King Crimson member Mel Collins on saxophone, Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke on congas, and Creedence Clearwater Revival's John Fogerty.

At a time when punk was booming and disco dominated airwaves worldwide, "Miss You," the lead single from Some Girls released in 1978, shot to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Sugar Blue became famous, and the tracks he contributed to gained a unique and instantly recognizable sound. As for the harmonica itself, it experienced a revival, propelled by Sugar Blue's Stonian flourishes, becoming a defining instrument of rock and blues. Sugar Blue's career took off, not just in terms of sales but also in creative success. During this period, he released multiple albums and performed in countless concerts and festivals. In 1985, he won a Grammy Award for his collaboration with Willie Dixon on the album Hidden Charms! The opening track, "Another Man Done Gone," also appeared on the compilation album Blues Explosion, for which Sugar Blue received a Grammy in 1985 for Best

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SKU: 83666423765

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4.1 ★★★★★
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Rachael C.
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Love it
Set name: UltraCool Pillow, King - Soft/Medium Firmness, Item length width: 40.0 Inches
I really like this pillow!! It’s a nice medium fluff. I do think it feels cooler. And, when you flip to the “cool side of the pillow” it’s realllly chilly. It’s very long - it sticks out of my king size pillowcase a little bit - but not enough to be bothered by it.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2023
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Jim Arnall
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent !!
Size: Standard (Pack of 2), Color: Original White
Like many other folks my age, I suffer with Neck & Shoulder pain throughout the night. I have bought and tried several Gel-Foam Bed Pillows, even the contoured pillows. None of these pillows can compare to the Vaverto Memory Form Pillows !! These Vaverto's Pillows are the Best Supported and Comfort Gel-Infused Pillows I have ever slept on !! They have just the right amount of firmness for good neck support. I Highly Recommended These "Vaverto Memory Foam Pillows" For Neck Pain Relief And A Good Nights Sleep !! JimA, Mt.Vernon, Mo.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2026
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Jerry
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice Pillows!
Size: King (Pack of 2), Color: Original White
Very nice, quality pillows. They came compressed but expanded very quickly when the plastic wrapping was removed. They are a bit firm but are very comfortable and soft. Very pleased with the pillows.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2026
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Sharon M.
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 4
Comfortable, cool and doesn't go flat.
Size: Standard (Pack of 1), Color: Original White
Great pillow. It stays cooler than most and it doens't go flat. The memory foam is firm enough that your head doesn't sink into it but soft enough for a good night sleep. Before I was fluffing and flipping my pillow all the time to get the cool spots and not feel like it was flat. This is my 2nd purchase, my son liked mine so much that I got him one too. It's good value for the price and I would definitely recommend it.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2026
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Sello
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Great pillow
Size: King (Pack of 2), Color: Original White
Extremely satisfied. Comfortable. Soft but maintains support of my head and neck. Well made. High quality. Highly recommend.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2026

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