Elmore Brooks (27 January 1918 – May 24, 1963) performed with the stage name Elmore James and was an American blues guitarist and singer. He’s best known for his slide guitar work.

James was born in Holmes County, Mississippi. He was strongly influenced by Robert Johnson, performed with him, and covered many of Johnson’s songs. James' slide guitar version of “Dust My Broom” is considered one of the most famous guitar riffs in blues history. Mastering the piece is something of a right of passage for blues guitarists. James was also part of the early movement to electric blues, recording songs in Chicago in the early 50s.