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.