An American rock guitarist, known for his work as a member of Captain Beefheart's Magic Band.

Cotton first came to attention as guitarist with Merrell and the Exiles, who had a few local hits in 1964 in the Los Angeles area. He subsequently joined Blues in a Bottle, which also featured future Magic Band members Mark Boston, Bill Harkleroad and John French.

He was recruited into the Magic Band in 1968 as a replacement for Ry Cooder. Cotton contributed unique and challenging slide guitar to live performances, Strictly Personal, Mirror Man and Trout Mask Replica, for which he was renamed Antenna Jimmy Semens.

He left the Magic Band in 1971 after being attacked by temporary drummer Jeff Bruschell and having ribs broken. But this was probably just the final straw, having experienced the reclusive 8 months of rehearsals for Trout Mask Replica and the mind games that Beefheart played on band members. He renewed his professional relationship with Merrell Fankhauser (of The Exiles) in a band called MU. Despite two critically acclaimed albums there was no commercial success, and he retired from the music business.