Jimmy Carl Black (born James Inkanish, Jr., February 1, 1938 – November 1, 2008) was a drummer and vocalist for The Mothers of Invention.
Born in El Paso, Texas, he was of Cheyenne heritage. His trademark line was “Hi Boys and Girls, I’m Jimmy Carl Black, and I’m the Indian of the group.” He has been credited on some Mothers albums as playing “drums, vocals, and poverty”.
He appeared in the movie 200 Motels and sings the song Lonesome Cowboy Burt.
He worked as a guest vocalist with Muffin Men, a Frank Zappa tribute band based in Liverpool, England, and with Jon Larsen, on the surrealistic Strange News From Mars project, featuring several other Zappa alumni, such as Tommy Mars, Bruce Fowler, Arthur Barrow.
Black was diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2008, and died on November 1st. A benefit will be held on 9 November 2008 at the Bridgehouse II in London.