Jimmy “Jimi” Jamison
August 23, 1951 – August 31, 2014
Jimi Jamison is perhaps best remembered as a lead singer of ’80s rock band Survivor. Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Jamison began singing and playing the guitar and piano as a child. By the time he hit middle school, he was already playing in a band. During the early ’80s, Jamison became the lead singer of a band called Cobra, and a few years later, he was invited to front Survivor after original lead vocalist (and “Eye Of The Tiger” singer) Dave Bickler left due to serious issues with his vocal cords. Jamison’s first recording with the group was the hit, “The Moment of Truth,” for the Karate Kid soundtrack. That was quickly followed by the Vital Signs album which went Platinum and reached #16 on the US album charts. The album spawned the hits, “High On You,” “The Search Is Over,” and “I Can’t Hold Back.” Its follow-up, When Seconds Count, also cracked the Top 50 on the US album charts powered by several radio-friendly pop-rockers. The list of hit songs that Jamison sang lead on include “Burning Heart” from the Rocky IV soundtrack, and “I’m Always Here,” the theme song of the popular Baywatch television series. He was also an in-demand session singer, having recorded with the likes of Joe Walsh and ZZ Top, whose Billy Gibbons often referred to him as the fourth member of the group. Jamison continued to record and perform as a solo act, and upon occasion, with Survivor well throughout the rest of his life. His most recent solo album, Never Too Late, was released in 2012. Jimi Jamison was 63 when he died of a heart attack on August 31, 2014.
Thanks to David Plastik at eRockPhotos for the assist.
What You Should Own
