Jimi Jamison..."The Voice"

Rising out of a bluff on the Mississippi River is the city called home by many pioneers of American music.  Memphis, TN has produced several musical giants including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Otis Redding, B.B. King, Roy Orbison, and Carl Perkins…just to name a few. 

Moving to Memphis as a young child with his mother and claiming himself to forever be a native Memphian, the artist named “The Voice” by Casey Casem got his musical start.   Powerhouse vocalist Jimi Jamison has lived up to the reputation of his hometown, and then some!  Music fans have been blessed with his voice and impressive catalog of hits for 4 decades….and fortunately for us they’re still coming.

Getting his start singing radio call letters, Jamison would go on to front the band Target in the 70’s.  A group of friends who remain in contact today, this band knew how to rock and still does……..Bill Marshall on drums, Buddy Davis and Paul Cannon on guitar, Tommy Cathey on bass, and Jimi on lead vocals.  They released two albums for A&M, “Target” and “Captured”.  When these guys come together for reunion concerts, you want to be there!  In the meantime, here’s a little blast from the past.  Check out their performance of “Holdin On” and “It’s Only Love” from 1979.

http://youtu.be/8-KTS7nxRto

Following his time with Target, Jimi would join the band Cobra producing one album, “First Strike“ on Epic Records.  This hard rockin band included Mandy Meyer and Jack Holder on guitar, Tommy Keiser on bass, and Jeff Klaven on drums.  Sure wish we could’ve heard more from these guys!  Here’s a couple video links.  Watch and listen…see if you don’t agree!

http://youtu.be/cNmiUuArE6M                             http://youtu.be/W7RwF1oO6Mo

As the early 80’s came calling, so did a new opportunity.  A band out of Chicago, Survivor, fresh off their mega smash hit “Eye of the Tiger”, was looking for a new lead singer.  At first hesitant to audition as he saw Survivor’s sound as more pop influenced versus the heavier style to which he was accustomed, fate would step in.  The stars were aligned and as they say…what’s meant to be was meant to be.  Vital Signs, the first Survivor album with Jimi as lead, soared to massive success.  Charting 3 hit singles, “The Search Is Over,” “High On You,” and “I Can’t Hold Back,” Jimi’s place in rock history was confirmed.   And continuing the Rocky connection, 1985’s “Burning Heart” from Rocky IV hit number two on Billboard.

In 1989 Jimi was considered to replace Ian Gillan as lead vocalist for Deep Purple.  Although a huge fan of Deep Purple, Jimi opted to remain with Survivor.  When Survivor went on hiatus not long thereafter, what followed was an impressive run of solo projects, both musical and charitable. While providing backup vocals for Jeff Healy Band, Krokus and ZZ Top, among others, he also released a CD “Crossroads Moment” with former Survivor mate Jim Peterik.  In 2011, Jamison collaborated with fellow Melodic Rock alum, Bobby Kimball, to produce “Kimball-Jamison.”  He organized the Voices of Classic Rock, as well as, gave his support to charitable functions like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the Special Olympics.

Fortunately for Jimi’s legion of fans, he shows no signs of slowing down!  Survivor has just released 2013 tour dates, and he’s also making appearances to promote his solo projects both in the US and abroad.  His 2012 solo CD, “Never Too Late”, is a testament to the talent of this amazing artist.  From the first track to the last, this is a masterpiece!  Take a listen and watch the video for the title track……

http://youtu.be/R_ReU37cFpU

To keep up to date on all of Jimi’s happenings, follow him at:

Twitter                 @Jimi_Jamison

Facebook            https://www.facebook.com/jimijamison?fref=ts

SoundCloud     https://soundcloud.com/jimi-jamison

Reverbnation   http://www.reverbnation.com/jimijamison

Website              www.jimijamison.com www.survivorband.com

We would like to get some feedback from some of Jimi’s faithful fans.  Take a look at the questions below.  Give us your thoughts.

1.  Which album do you feel is Jimi’s best work, and why?

1. When Love Comes Down
2. Kimball-Jamison
3. Vital Signs
4. Target
5. Crossroads Moment
6. First Strike
7. Never Too Late

                2.  What’s your favorite Jimi tune of all time, and why?

Credits:  Target video courtesy of rockinrythms via youtube

                   Cobra video, Blood On Your Money, courtesy of cometola

                   Cobra video, Travelin Man, courtesy of FantasyAOR

                   AllMusic Jimi Jamison biography

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