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James Bracken

1909 – 1972

American songwriter

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About James Bracken

Lived 1909 – 1972 (aged 62). James Bracken was an American composer and songwriter.

James C. Bracken (May 23, 1909 – February 20, 1972) was an American songwriter and the co-founder and co-owner of Vee-Jay Records with his wife Vivian and her brother, Calvin Carter. and three years later decided to start their own record company, which they named Vee-Jay from their initials. As well as producing and releasing records through his label, Bracken also wrote some of the songs recorded.

Songwriting credits

Bracken is sometimes credited with songs recorded by Vee-Jay artists, such as John Lee Hooker ("Baby Lee", "Dimples", "Little Wheel", "Kiss The Girls"), Jimmy Reed ("High and Lonesome"), Memphis Slim ("Steppin' Out," which ultimately became a showcase for Eric Clapton with John Mayall's group and, especially, with Cream), The Spaniels ("Baby It's You", "Sloppy Drunk"). He is often erroneously credited as the songwriter on releases of the 1969 Buddah Records live recording by Bill Haley and His Comets of "Rock the Joint", which was written by Harold Crafton, Wendell Keane, and Harold Bagby.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality

People in James Bracken's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped James Bracken's

Frequently asked questions

Who was James Bracken?

American songwriter (1909–1972)

When was James Bracken born?

James Bracken was born on 23 May 1909.

When did James Bracken die?

James Bracken died on 20 February 1972.

What was James Bracken's occupation?

James Bracken was a composer and songwriter.

What nationality was James Bracken?

James Bracken was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: James Bracken

· Wikidata: Q6130104

· DBpedia: James Bracken

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). James Bracken. https://biography.guide/james-bracken/

MLA: "James Bracken." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/james-bracken/.

Chicago: "James Bracken." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/james-bracken/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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