Elmore James (Elmore Brooks, Richland, Mississippi, January 27, 1918 – Chicago, Illinois, May 24, 1963) was an American blues singer and guitarist. He was known as "The King of the Slide Guitar". James was born 50 miles north of Jackson (not to be confused with another Richland just south of Jackson). He began playing as a teen, under the names "Cleanhead" and "Joe Willie James", alongside musicians such as the first Sonny Boy Williamson, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson. During World War II James joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Guam.