SKU: 83666423765

Sugar Blue - Cross Road

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Sugar Blue - Cross Road"Do you know James Joshua Whiting? Even he might have forgotten the name his parents gave him one December day in 1949 in New York, where he was born and later played his first tune on what would become his signature instrument the harmonica. Sugar Blue was born. For many years, James, now known as Sugar Blue, honed his technique through countless encounters, sessions, and concerts, some more fruitful and rewarding than others. His collaborations were

"Do you know James Joshua Whiting? Even he might have forgotten the name his parents gave him one December day in 1949 in New York, where he was born and later played his first tune on what would become his signature instrument-the harmonica. Sugar Blue was born.

For many years, James, now known as Sugar Blue, honed his technique through countless encounters, sessions, and concerts, some more fruitful and rewarding than others. His collaborations were numerous, especially with Louisiana Red, Johnny Shines, and Roosevelt Sykes. Yet, Sugar Blue's name, like those of his peers, often appeared in newspapers and on concert and bar posters-though rarely in large print or as the headliner. This limited his fame and kept him from truly taking off.

Sugar took on various odd jobs to make ends meet, even working as a shoeshiner in Harlem. Meanwhile, some of his friends, like Memphis Slim, were forging their own paths-paths that sometimes took surprising turns. Following a tour in France, Memphis Slim (born in 1915 in Memphis) decided to settle in Paris. This decision proved pivotal, as Memphis Slim was later officially named an Ambassador-at-Large by the U.S. Senate. He held this prestigious role as the "Blues Ambassador" until his death in February 1988 in Paris, where he spent his final years collecting honors and medals. Recognized as one of the architects of the "Chicago Sound," he was even made a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters by French Minister of Culture Jack Lang in 1986.

One day, Sugar decided to head to Europe himself, drawn by glowing reports, especially about France's long-standing love for jazz and blues. There, he reconnected with Memphis Slim, Ray Charles' former guitarist Mickey Baker, and pianist-composer Booker T. Laury, all of whom praised his talent. However, like many musicians, Sugar soon discovered that Paris was far from a promised land. He faced numerous struggles and setbacks after his arrival. That is, until a miraculous day in 1977.

While playing his harmonica in the Paris Métro, Sugar Blue crossed paths with Mick Jagger. The Rolling Stones were in Paris, recording at Pathé-Marconi studios in Boulogne-Billancourt for an album that would go on to have an incredible legacy: Some Girls, often regarded as their best album with guitarist Ron Wood. At the time, the Stones were stuck, feeling that something was missing from their work but unsure what it was.

When Jagger heard Sugar Blue and his harmonica electrify the subway, inspiration struck. He decided on the spot to include the harmonica and it's extraordinary player in the unfinished tracks of the album. Within hours, Sugar Blue made his mark, embedding his harmonica into various songs, particularly "Miss You" and "Some Girls," infusing them with an irresistible new sound. In addition to Billy Preston, who influenced the band's musical choices, many other musicians contributed to the album, including Faces pianist Ian McLagan, former King Crimson member Mel Collins on saxophone, Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke on congas, and Creedence Clearwater Revival's John Fogerty.

At a time when punk was booming and disco dominated airwaves worldwide, "Miss You," the lead single from Some Girls released in 1978, shot to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Sugar Blue became famous, and the tracks he contributed to gained a unique and instantly recognizable sound. As for the harmonica itself, it experienced a revival, propelled by Sugar Blue's Stonian flourishes, becoming a defining instrument of rock and blues. Sugar Blue's career took off, not just in terms of sales but also in creative success. During this period, he released multiple albums and performed in countless concerts and festivals. In 1985, he won a Grammy Award for his collaboration with Willie Dixon on the album Hidden Charms! The opening track, "Another Man Done Gone," also appeared on the compilation album Blues Explosion, for which Sugar Blue received a Grammy in 1985 for Best

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SKU: 83666423765

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4.5 ★★★★★
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Verified Purchase
Beccaroo
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 4
Fluffy and Nice Omegaverse
Format: Kindle
… this would have made 5 stars but for 2 reasons. A.) there were quite a few typos; misspelled words, missing quotations, “the his” mistakes, and various signs that maybe a proofread would do good. B.) the writing was quite textbook. Late blooming omega is struggling with her new self, finds a absurdly wealthy pack of alphas, every thing is almost insta-love but she resists, then decides to love herself and let everyone be happy. Rian was my favourite (obviously the author’s favourite too because he got the most page time) but I wish we could see more of his CEO side? He went to work maybe ONCE the entire time. Gray was supposed to be the “growly one” but he turned out to be puppy dog. Lucas was a genius brainiac doctor - but also super alpha with an aggressive hindbrain with a breeding k*nk?? And then there was no actual “breeding”?? Spice 3/5 - normally omegaverse books are super high on messy smut but this was tamer. Romance 3/5 - insta-love that was then resisted because of personal hangup’s Plot 2/5 - weird paced head hopping, showing the same scene from different POV’s that made me feel like it was 2 steps backward, 1 step forward. Humour 4/5 - there were a dozen lines that genuinely made me chuckle out loud Would have been five stars but the lack of proofreading and the predictable plot made me unable to get up to ADORED IT level - four stars is still and official ENJOYED IT, y’all. This isn’t a bad rating. The “Club Heat” has intriguing possibilities so I’m going to give the second one a shot.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2023
A
Verified Purchase
Ashley Morgan
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
ABSOLUTELY A MUST for Omegaverse Girls!!!
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Jillian West and her books!!! I’m so happy I already bought book two and now I have to buy the others for the Assurance Security series!! Not gonna lie Val kind of annoyed me at the beginning but she grew on me!! Her men are chef’s kisses!!! Holt annoys me some but I can let it slide. I already bought part two so I’m going to be reading that in between work phone calls!!!! DON’T TELL MY BOSS 😂😂😂😂
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Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2025
C
Verified Purchase
Carmen Alicea
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 4
Baby bumps and bodyguards
Format: Kindle
Dark, emotional, and unexpectedly tender, Not Ready is an omegaverse romance that delivers found family feels, fierce protectiveness, and a very pregnant heroine who refuses to break. Vale’s on the run from a stalker, but lands in the arms of three private security alphas, cue the swoony tension, fake marriage twist, and slow-burn heat. It’s a little gritty, a little soft, and a whole lot addictive. If you love protective alphas, high stakes, and heroines with quiet strength, this one’s a must-read.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2025
S
Verified Purchase
Shianne Whipple
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Strong Omegaverse Comfort and a Attention Grabbing Plot
Format: Kindle
Jillian West never misses when it comes to Omegaverse, and Not Ready is no exception. This story was the perfect blend of cozy comfort and emotional depth while still delivering a strong plot. Vale is such a powerful heroine, she is strong, capable, and determined but I love that she still allows her pack to love and take care of her. It’s that balance of independence and vulnerability that makes her so relatable. The relationship dynamics were amazing: Bishop is steadfast and completely head over heels, Mercy is skeptical but protective in his own way, and Holt is the hesitant one whose slow fall is so satisfying to watch unfold. The romance hits that sweet spot between insta-love and cautious build, keeping me hooked the entire way through. And that ending. Oh my god, the cliffhanger! I need the next book in this duet immediately.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2025
N
Verified Purchase
NLB
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Interesting
Format: Kindle
So I will say I enjoyed the story, for sure had its moments where it dragged but it was a great story. I really liked that omegas picked their alphas/make the pack. Normally the Alphas make it and the omega fits in with them which is great but I enjoyed this new version where all the power basically went to the omega. It was a nice change of pace. I can admit some of the weird bedroom stuff with her being pregnant was odd, it’s really not hard to do stuff when pregnant (I know I’ve had two and it’s normal and even encouraged at the end especially if you want the baby out). But I like the story as a whole and will read the second, I do hope the next one isn’t dragged bc it stopped being action or tense after she met her alphas and I don’t think it was brought up or properly done when they tried to do it. More sweet after she left.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2024

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