James Blood Ulmer: key obituary facts
Is James Blood Ulmer dead? Yes. James Blood Ulmer died on June 3, 2026, at age 86.
Cause of death: James Blood Ulmer's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was James Blood Ulmer known for?
He was an American jazz and blues guitarist and singer.
More about James Blood Ulmer
Born: 2 February 1942.
Place of birth: New York City.
Gender: male.
Occupation: guitarist, singer, jazz musician, jazz guitarist, recording artist, composer, blues musician, musician.
Nationality: United States.
Career began: 1964.
Also known as: James "Blood" Ulmer, James Ulmer, Willie James Ulmer, Damu Mustafa Abdul Musawwir.
Genres: Jazz, harmolodics, free funk, electric blues, avant-funk.
Instruments: Guitar, vocals.
James Blood Ulmer, the American guitarist and singer whose playing helped shape jazz, free funk and electric blues, died on June 3, 2026.
He was 86. Born Willie James Ulmer in New York City, he began his career in 1964 and became known for a jagged, stinging guitar style and a raggedly soulful voice.
Ulmer played a Gibson Byrdland and was identified with the harmolodic approach associated with Ornette Coleman, with whom he later worked after moving to New York in 1971. He also recorded and performed under the names James Ulmer, Willie James Ulmer and James “Blood” Ulmer.