Continuously acclaimed as one of the Top Ten Male Vocalists in the
World by the Kasey Kasem Countdown, Jimi Jamison delivers a strong and powerful
performance regardless of the venue. His musical tree includes five Top Ten Singles; four gold,
platinum or double-platinum albums which solidifies his standing as one of the premier
performers in the music industry today.
From humble beginnings in rural Mississippi to established superstar
residing in Memphis, Tennessee, his achievements call to mind the other Memphis Rock
and Roll Legend, whom Jimi met as a young boy while Elvis was on one of his famous
shopping sprees. Like Elvis, Jimi has never forgotten from whence he came and continues
to be dedicated to benefits assisting St. Jude's Childrens Hospital, The Special Olympics,
Make-A-Wish Foundation and The ARF Foundation, with Tony LaRussa of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Memphis, Tennessee, a place where the music has soul and
meaning . . . and that inspiration is evident in Jimi's music. Unaware of his talent
until he signed up for a music class in high school, Jimi was frequently
chosen to perform the male solos. It wasn't long before he was singing
background vocals for the famous Memphis recording studios and jingles
(radio and television commercials) for Memphis advertising agencies.
TARGET |
In the mid seventies, Jimi gained recognition with the group
Target. Target signed with A&M Records and two records were released -- Target and Target Captured.
Target hit the road and opened for such groups as Kiss, Boston and Black Sabbath.
Target, like most bands, eventually broke up. however, they
captured many loyal fans, and to this day, they pack the house with old and
new fans alike when there is a Target reunion. (Today a Target album is
hard to find and could be worth $30-$50 depending on its condition.)
COBRA |
After the breakup of Target, Jimi formed the group Cobra, a band
that was ahead of its time. Its music was hard-edged and up-tempo -- some would
say a heavy-metal band. Cobra released one album, First Strike with Epic records
and broke up.
The day Cobra broke up,
Jimi was laying on his bed wondering what he was going
to do next and then the phone rang. It was a call from
the band Survivor wanting him to audition. His first
response was, "Is this a joke?" He immediately
went to Chicago and one month later, Survivor asked him to
join the band.
At this time, Survivor was
a one hit band. Eye of The Tiger, from the movie
Rocky III, was known throughout the world. However,
after the mega-hit fell off the charts, so did Survivor.
SURVIVOR |
Jimi joined Survivor in 1984,
recorded the next album, Vital
Signs. The band hit
the road in support of their new album. With Jimi's powerful,
passionate voice, incredible stage presence, and mesmerizing
good looks, Survivor was once again on its way to universal recognition.
His "High On You," "Search Is Over," and "Can't
Hold Back" all hit the Top Twenty -- driving Jimi's first vocal
effort with Survivor to Platinum status
Survivor was invited to record the theme for Rocky IV and Jimi's driving
rendition of "Burning Heart," propelled the single to Number Two
on the Pop Charts. One more Top Ten effort, "Is This Love,"
followed before the group disbanded in 1987.
BAYWATCH |
Today Jimi's voice is also universally recognized at that
on the theme of the hit television series, Baywatch, which he wrote and recorded.
In addition to his career as lead vocalist, he has also made six music
videos and has made multiple television appearances. He has served on the Grammy Awards
Committee and as a member of AFTRA, SAG and NARAS. He has performed back up vocals for
recordings by ZZ TOP, Krokus, Jeff Healy Band, and numerous other recording artists.
Billy Gibbons refers to Jimi as the fourth member of ZZ Top. (See the Discography.) He has been recognized
by the Govenors of Tennessee, Ohio and Arkansas for his work on and off the stage and
he commands a loyal an dedicated following appearing at each of his concerts.
VCR MATES JIMI AND JOE LYNN TURNER |
Jimi is a charter member of the Voices Of Classic Rock and appeared on the
VCR "first concert" at the Players
Championship tournament party in 1998, at Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Since then Jimi has been
a central member of VCR participating in concerts in Hawaii, Far East, Mexico and South America,
as well as all over the US. Check them ALL out!!
Jimi and the original Survivor line-up have re-united and recently (2000)
have been on tour with REO Speedwagon and Styx. In addition Survivor spent the entire month
of April, 2001 on tour in Germany where they have an especially loyal fan base.