Prior to joining Scorpions, Kottak was a drummer for Nuthouse, Apex, the Bob Brickley Band, Mister Charlie, Buster Brown, Montrose, Kingdom Come, Wild Horses, the McAuley Schenker Group, Warrant, and Ashba.

As a teenager in Louisville, he had a strong local presence in several live bands, including the fusion group Nuthouse, which also featured his Durrett High School bandmate Don Braden (later a world-renowned jazz saxophonist).

That same year, Kottak relocated to Los Angeles to pursue further opportunities in the music industry, after being recommended by RATT's drummer Bobby Blotzer, who had seen him perform at a bar in Louisville.

[4] In the follow year, Kottak gained early mainstream exposure during his time with Kingdom Come, appearing on the band's first two studio albums, the first of which included their biggest hit, "Get It On".

[5][6] In 1993, James Kottak joined the glam metal band Warrant as their drummer, contributing to the recording of the album Ultraphobic (1995), which marked a sonic shift for the group, incorporating hard rock and grunge influences in response to the evolving music scene of the time.

[12] That same year, James Kottak took part in a tribute album dedicated to Rod Stewart, which reimagined his classic songs with a hard rock approach.

[13] He had many other connections and contributions with musicians including Alan Krigger, Darren Wharton (Dare), Robbie Crane, Phil Soussan, CC DeVille and Kelly Hansen in Needle Park, Tommy Henriksen, George Lynch, Willie Basse, Uli John Roth, bassist Sean McNabb, Robin Brock and many others.

That same year, the band toured Russia and played at several European festivals, gaining recognition for their energetic performances with a set composed by songs of Alice Cooper, Dio, Judas Priest, Scorpions and so on.

[20][21] [22] In addition to his work, Kottak was also a notable presence at the Bonzo Bash, a recurring tribute event celebrating the legacy of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham.

[23] Kottak endorsed Ddrum and Yamaha drums, Aquarian drumheads, Zildjian Cymbals, Ahead drumsticks, accessories and Danmar percussion and Dean guitars for his own band.

On April 29, 2014, the National Post reported via the Associated Press that Kottak had been arrested in Dubai and sentenced to one month in jail for offensive behavior, insulting Islam, and public drunkenness.