The legendary soul singer, Michael ‘Jimmy’ James, has passed away at the age of 84. Born in Jamaica, James founded the band The Vagabonds in 1960. The band moved to the UK in 1964 and was known for its soulful sound, which often incorporated ska, R&B, and big band standards. Over the course of their career, Jimmy James and The Vagabonds performed alongside notable musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Cher, and Rod Stewart.
James’ family confirmed his passing in a statement to the Jamaica Observer. He passed away on May 14, 2024, at Northwick Park Hospital in London after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s and a heart condition earlier that year. Some of his most notable hits include 1968’s “Come to Me Softly,” which James wrote himself, 1976’s “I Am Somebody,” and a soulful cover of Neil Diamond’s “Red Red Wine.”
Jimmy James and The Vagabonds released six studio albums throughout their career, including 1966’s “The New Religion,” 1968’s “This Is Jimmy James and The Vagabonds” and “Open Up Your Soul,” 1975’s “You Don’t Stand a Chance If You Can’t Dance,” 1976’s “Now,” and 1977’s “Life.” The original line-up of the band disbanded in 1970, but James owned the name of the band and put together a new backing band for their last three albums.
Until his diagnosis in 2021, Jimmy James continued to perform sporadically. He was a beloved figure in the music industry, and his passing is a great loss
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