James "Tootie" Hogan

Jazz guitarist James "Tootie" Hogan is an artist whose skill as a musician has influenced millions of individuals throughout the world. His debut album, "Dreamin' at Midday" has won him new fans across the country with his uniquely personal, yet improvisational and contemporary smooth jazz.

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Tootie and his family soon left the North, migrating south to Mount Holly, North Carolina. At a tender age, his musical talent was to be nurtured in the church, through the influence and guidance of his father. Under such direction, Tootie began to play gospel music with his father mastering the lead guitar, bass guitar and piano. Tootie's talent soon placed him in the spotlight as lead guitarist, a position that would prove to be the solid musical foundation of his career.

During the 1970's and early 1980's, Tootie performed and traveled extensively with various national artists. One of the first groups he performed with professionally was "The Drifters". As his professional career quickly evolved, Tootie became a member of many notable musical groups such as The Tams; Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose;  The Chairman of the Board featuring General Johnson; Junior Walker and The All Stars; Hank Crawford; Eddie Floyd; and Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs. Tootie toured with Roberta Flack worldwide in Japan, the Philippines, Australia, Spain, England, Canada and the Bahamas. While working with Roberta, he also appeared on "The Johnny Carson Tonight Show". Opened for Miles Davis in Madison Square Garden in New York City, and shared the stage with The Spinners and Lou Rawls. Tootie later became the music director and lead guitarist for" A Good Man Is Hard To Find ; a national gospel play. Since then he has released his first album "Dreamin' at Midday" on DePriest Records, which he has received excellent reviews and exposure on one of the nationally-known jazz radio stations throughout the United States. On February 15, 1997, he opened up for Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, celebrating The 37th Anniversary of the "Sit-In Movement" in Greensboro, North Carolina.

His latest accomplishment has been the release of his second album "Last Flight Out" which he has written and arranged under his own production label, "A Hogan Production". Later on he has opened up for National Recording Artists such as: Fatburger on June 20,1998; Norman Conners, Angela BoFills, and Marion Meadow on Nov. 23, 1998.

His second album is a treat to all that know and love Tootie. You can't help but admire his style and originality on this instrumental, "The Rebirth of Gilligan's Island". Yes it is extraordinary at the beginning of this tune, only a musician could identify the tune. The musical development of his second album allows us to enter into the musical mind of this man and appreciate his musical talents.

Tootie's new album, will be released in March of 2003 " Final Destination"

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