He remained in Otis’ band until 1959 when he formed his own group, The Jimmy Nolen Band. They performed in small clubs and ballrooms in California and Arizona's "Chitlin' Circuit", backing many of the blues musicians that passed through California. The principal influences that inspired his guitar technique were, T-Bone Walker, B.B.
He stayed with Otis’ band until 1959, when he created his own group, The Jimmy Nolen Band. This new band performed in small venues and ballrooms across California and Arizona’s "Chitlin' Circuit", backing blues musicians who frequently visited the region. His guitar technique was primarily inspired by T-Bone Walker and B.B.