In 1960, the Biharis released the compilation, Blues After Hours, on their budget Crown label, which was the only album released during James' career.[15] After his death in 1963, his former record companies began re-issuing a number of his singles on subsidiaries and leasing them out to other companies.[16] These various labels also began releasing numerous compilation albums, often with significant overlap in song selection.[1] With the advent of compact discs, this trend continued.[1] However, some box sets have appeared that collect most or all of James' recordings for a particular label or time period.[17] The Chess,[18]Capricorn,[19] and Virgin America/Flair[20] collections also include some previously unreleased material and alternate takes.
Releases 1951–1963
On record releases, Elmore James is sometimes listed as "Elmo James", "Elmore James and the Broomdusters", and "Elmore James and His Broomdusters".[21]
Singles
List of singles with year, notes, label, and reference(s)
Only one album by Elmore James was released during his lifetime. The compilation album, titled Blues After Hours, was issued by the Bihari budget Crown label in 1960.[15] In 1960, Fire Records planned a second compilation album featuring 1959–1960 singles, but did not issue it.[24] A compilation with a similar track listing was released in 1965, titled The Sky Is Crying (see below).
List of compilation albums with year, notes, label, and reference(s)
Year
Title
Notes
Label
(Cat. no.)
Ref(s)
1960
Blues After Hours
10 Flair tracks released as singles in 1954 and 1955; re-released as The Blues in My Heart – The Rhythm in My Soul (Custom CS 1054) and The Late Fantastically Great (Ember UK 3397)
Numerous Elmore James compilation albums issued by a number of record companies have been released over the years.[1] The following lists some of the more notable and current releases, including box sets:[8]
List of compilation albums with year, notes, label, and reference(s)
Although it is documented that Elmore James performed with Sonny Boy Williamson II, it is unclear which, if any, of Williamson's early recordings include James as a sideman.[33] It is unknown if James performed on additional recordings by Big Joe Turner[34] and Junior Wells.[14]
Singles
List of singles as an accompanist with year, notes, label, and reference(s)