| Jimmy James | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Michael James |
| Born | 13 September 1940 Jamaica |
| Genres | Soul, pop |
| Occupations | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1960–present |
| Labels | Pye |
| Associated acts | Jimmy James and the Vagabonds |
Jimmy James (born Michael James, 13 September 1940, Jamaica)[1] is a soul music singer,[2] known for songs like Come To Me Softly, Now Is the Time and I'll Go Where the Music Takes Me.
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"The Vagabonds" was the name of Jimmy James backing group, members have included:[2]
The Vagabonds were originally formed in 1960. Later, James, already a successful solo artist in Jamaica, teamed up with them and in April 1964, they relocated to the UK. "Ska Time" (Decca Records) was recorded within two weeks of their arrival, and is one of the first examples of Jamaican ska music to be recorded in the UK. In 1965 they undertook more gigs and recordings in Hungary, organised as part of a cultural exchange programme, with The Vagabonds being one of the few Western European bands ever to play in the former communist state. Also in 1965, Jimmy James and the Vagabonds supported The Who at the Marquee Club in London.
They signed a recording contract with Pye Records and released their best known studio album, The New Religion in 1966. The band also played as support for The Who, and Sonny & Cher, Rod Stewart (who was also on Pye Records at the time), and The Rolling Stones. The band often used the Abbey Road Studios, once being there at the same time as The Beatles were recording. Their live performance was captured in the album, Live at the Marquee, also featuring The Alan Bown Set. Jimmy James and the Vagabonds were labelmates and rivals of Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band.
The Vagabonds disbanded in 1970, but James, who owned the name, reformed the band with a new, all white line-up in 1974.[2] They had hits in the UK Singles Chart with " I'll Go Where Your Music Takes Me" and "Now Is The Time".[3]
Former Vagabonds bass player Alan Wood (1973–77) now runs his own management agency and represents Paul Carrack.
In 1979 a new band, Big Business, was formed by Alan Kirk and Andrew Platts, former Vagabonds and they continue to tour to this day. Big Business toured with Mick Jackson ("Blame It on the Boogie"). Kirk owns Hilltop Studios in Dronfield near Chesterfield. Platts is managing editor of the entertainment paper, Mercury Newspaper in Sheffield.
In 1999, drummer Russ Courtenay co-wrote the track "Whatever You Need", which appeared on Tina Turner's album, 24/7, and later on her All the Best and The Platinum Collection compilation albums. He is currently working on a project entitled 'Rainbow Beach'.
In 2007, James contributed the track "The Other Side of the Street" for Ian Levine's Northern Soul 2007 album.
James regularly performs around the UK with former Foundations frontman, Clem Curtis.[4][5] The pair, along with Flirtations vocalist Earnestine Pearce have toured with 'The Soul Explosion'. In April 2007, James performed at the 'Classic Gold Weekender' along with Marmalade, Love Affair and Showaddywaddy.[6]