Jimmy Dawkins: Blues guitarist

Jimmy “Fast Fingers” Dawkins, who died on 10 April aged 76, was a Chicago bluesman known for his guitar playing and his mellow singing voice (AP)

Jimmy “Fast Fingers” Dawkins, who died on 10 April aged 76, was a Chicago bluesman known for his guitar playing and his mellow singing voice.

He began playing Chicago's blues clubs in the 1960s, gaining a reputation as an excellent sideman and playing with such notable artists as Otis Rush and Buddy Guy.

Dawkins was born in Mississippi; an only child, he taught himself to play guitar before moving to Chicago in the 1950s. He recorded his first album on the Delmark label in 1969.

The album boosted Dawkins' reputation, particularly in Europe and Japan, where he toured frequently. He also was a frequent contributor to Living Blues magazine.