In Memory: Cool John Ferguson

Blues

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Cool John Ferguson passed away on August 12 at age 71. Hillsborough, NC, 2006. Photo by Tim Duffy.
Cool John Ferguson with Captain Luke in "Guitar Heaven." Hillsborough, NC, 2014. Tintype by Tim Duffy.
Cool John Ferguson. 2016. Tintype by Tim Duffy.
Cool John Ferguson with Cootie Stark. Pinnacle, NC. Photo by Tim Duffy.
Cool John Ferguson. 2014. Tintype by Tim Duffy and Aaron Greenhood.

We are heartbroken to share that Cool John Ferguson passed away in his hometown on August 12, 2025 at age 71.

“Cool John was an amazing friend to Music Maker Foundation,” says Tim Duffy, Executive Director and co-founder. “He helped us make dozens of records and toured with us throughout Australia, Europe, and the United States.

“Music lovers recognized him as one of the world’s greatest living guitarists. When I was talking to Taj Mahal recently, he mentioned that Cool John was one of the most brilliant musicians he’d ever heard.”

Born in Beaufort, SC, Cool John Ferguson was as close to a born musician as anyone, moving between gospel, blues, soul, jazz, and even psychedelic pop music with ease. Since joining the Music Maker family in 1998, he had a hand in making countless albums on our label, including classic recordings by Essie Mae Brooks, Carl Rutherford, and Captain Luke as well as his own solo albums.

In his later years, Cool John chose to retire from touring to return to his roots in music ministry. We will forever be grateful for his friendship and artistry.

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