Topic: Jimmy James

Jimmy James and the Blue Flames was an American rock band that formed in New York City in 1966. Comprising guitarists Jimi Hendrix and Randy California, bassist Randy Texas (occasionally replaced by Jeff Baxter) and drummer Danny Palmer, the band was together for three months before Hendrix left the country to form The Jimi Hendrix Experience in September.

Hendrix, under the name Jimmy James, formed The Blue Flames (originally as The Rainflowers) in June 1966. In doing so, he recruited 15-year-old guitarist Randy Wolfe after seeing him playing in Manny's Music Store on 48th Street. Hendrix was excited when he heard Wolfe playing, and so invited him to play with him at the Cafe Wha? that night. At the Cafe, the guitarists spent fifteen minutes in the boiler room, where Jimi taught Wolfe a few songs, namely "Hey Joe", "Like a Rolling Stone", "Wild Thing" and "Shotgun".

The Blue Flames' bass player was someone called Randy, who was from Texas. As the second Randy in the band, Jimmy dubbed him Randy Texas, and Wolfe adopted the name Randy California, which he held until his death. The drummer was one of Texas' friends, known as Danny Palmer. Jeff Baxter (of Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers fame) was also known to play bass for The Blue Flames on a few occasions.