Jimmy Nolen

Born: April 3, 1934
Died: December 18, 1983
Country: United States
IPI: 00022495497 1 work
00059617842 3 works
Affiliation: PRS
Comments: Guitarist.
Although relatively unrecognized for his innovative contributions to modern guitar stylings, Jimmy "Chank" Nolen is considered by many to be, in the words of his former band leader Johnny Otis, "the founder of the funk guitar". Nolen's rhythmic staccato guitar break, resembling a chopping action, was his signature invention, and has been widely imitated by rock and funk musicians, including Jimi Hendrix and George Clinton.
In its survey of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time," the English magazine Mojo ranks Nolen number twelve.