James Arthur "Boo" Hanks, an American Piedmont blues guitarist and singer, was born on April 30, 1928, in Vance County, North Carolina. He learned to play guitar by ear from his father's influence and recordings of Blind Boy Fuller. Hanks began playing at local barn dances during the 1940s but gained wider recognition later in life. At age 79, he released his debut album Pickin' Low Cotton (2007) through Music Maker Records. In 2012, Hanks collaborated with Dom Flemons on the album Buffalo Junction, featuring upbeat country blues tracks including "Railroad Bill". Throughout his later career, Hanks performed at notable venues such as the Lincoln Center in New York and appeared in the documentary film Toots Blues (2008). He passed away on April 15, 2016 at the age of 87.
