Clifton James was one of half a dozen basic drummers in Chicago. For sixteen years, from 1954 to 1970, his name is closely linked to Bo Diddley 's, and thus also to the "Bo Diddley Beat". He also played on several recordings of Chess Records by Sonny Boy Williamson II. , Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy .
Clifton James also brought the blues to new audiences when interest in this music waned in the United States in the mid-1960s. As a member of the Chicago Blues Allstars, which were put together by Willie Dixon, he toured Europe, the United States and Canada. He can also be heard as a member of the band on Sonny Williamson's European recordings, which combined Chicago blues artists with parts of the English Yardbirds . James also occasionally sang with various all-star casts.