Michael "Jimmy" James (born 13 September 1940) is a Jamaican ska and soul m… Read Full Bio ↴Michael "Jimmy" James (born 13 September 1940) is a Jamaican ska and soul music singer, known for songs like "Come To Me Softly", "Now Is the Time" and "I'll Go Where the Music Takes Me". Based in Britain, he has performed as the lead singer of Jimmy James and the Vagabonds since the mid 1960s.
James grew up and began performing in Kingston, Jamaica, where he recorded as a solo artist with producers Coxsone Dodd, Clancy Eccles, and Lyndon Pottinger. His most successful release was an early version of "Come To Me Softly", which found local success and persuaded James to give up a job with the Inland Revenue for a music career.
The Vagabonds were originally formed in 1960. James teamed up with them under Canadian band manager Roger Smith and in April 1964, they relocated to the UK. "Ska-Time" (Decca Records) was recorded as Jamaica's Own Vagabonds within two weeks of their arrival, and is one of the first examples of Jamaican ska music to be recorded in the UK. After meeting manager Peter Meaden in 1965, Jimmy James and the Vagabonds supported The Who and Rod Stewart who was with his group The Steampacket at the Marquee Club in London. The band played the Shanklin Pier ballroom on the Isle of Wight in June 1965 and returned for two further sold-out concerts that summer. He and the Vagabonds shared several bills with Jimi Hendrix's band, The Experience, during the late 1960s when they were both trying to establish themselves. "We used to hang out a lot at clubs like the Bag O' Nails, the Cromwellian and Whiskey A Go Go. A great guy, very quiet and unassuming," James recalled. The Vagabonds and the Experience also played the Ricky Tick and Upper Cut clubs in London in December 1966 and January 1967 respectively, and at the Beachcomber Ballroom in Nottingham.
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, London Swings – Live at the Marquee Club, 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. They had hits in the UK Singles Chart with " I'll Go Where Your Music Takes Me" and "Now Is The Time". Without James, the Vagabonds recorded an album (Ska-Time) as "Jamaica's Original Vagabonds" which was released in 1970.
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. 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. In 2013, they toured with James' early hero, Ben E. King.
In February 2014, the song "Whatever You Need", written by drummer Russ Courtenay and Harriet Roberts featured on Tina Turner's album, Love Songs.
The Vagabonds
Members of the Vagabonds have included:
Rupert Balgobin (drums, 1960–70)
Barry Sutton (Trumpet, 1967–70)
Colston Chen (bass, 1960–70)
Phil Chen (guitar, 1960–70)
Fred Fredericks (saxophone, 1960–70)
Carl Griffiths (saxophone, 1960–70)
Count Prince Miller (vocals, 1960–70) died in 2018
Carl Noel (keyboards, 1960–67)
Art Regis (Hammond organ, 1967–1969)
Wallace Wilson (guitar, 1960–70)
Stewart Blandamer (saxophone, 1970-1972
Steve Farr (saxophone, 1970-1972)
Bill Roberts (guitar, 1970-1972)
Eddy Spence (keyboards, 1970-1972)
Kelvin(Kelly)Cantlon (bass, 1970-1972)
Mick Dolan (drums, 1970-1972)
Alan Wood (bass, 1973–77)
Martin Dale (trumpet, 1971)
Dave Hopper (guitar, 1973–74)
Fred Guite (drums, 1973–74)
Pete Wright (drums, 1974–75)
Russ Courtenay (drums, 1975–77)
Chris Garfield (guitar, 1975–77)
Alan Kirk (keyboards, 1975–77)
Pete Gill (drums, 1974–1975)
John Steele (guitar, 1974–1975)
Rick Sequeira (keyboards, 1974–1975)
Andrew Platts (trombone and vocals 1977–1979)
Glenn Harland (Lead Guitarist 1981–1984)
John Wintony (keyboards 1981–1984)
Dave Bussey (drums 1981–1984
Chris Turner (bass 1981–1984)
Steve Ward (lead guitarist, 1990–1995)
David Cooke (keyboards, 1990–1995)
Pat Coleman (drums, 1990–1994)
Mario James (bass, 1990–1992)
Mike Scrimshaw (bass, 1992)
Dean Spain (backing vocals, 1998–current)
Discography
"Red Red Wine" – 1968 – Pye – No. 36 UK
A Man Like Me -1972 - Stateside Records Did not Chart
I'll Go Where your Music Takes Me– Pye – No. 23 UK
"You Don't Stand a Chance if You Can't Dance" - 1975 - PYE Records Limited
"Now Is The Time" – 1976 – Pye – No. 5 UK
James grew up and began performing in Kingston, Jamaica, where he recorded as a solo artist with producers Coxsone Dodd, Clancy Eccles, and Lyndon Pottinger. His most successful release was an early version of "Come To Me Softly", which found local success and persuaded James to give up a job with the Inland Revenue for a music career.
The Vagabonds were originally formed in 1960. James teamed up with them under Canadian band manager Roger Smith and in April 1964, they relocated to the UK. "Ska-Time" (Decca Records) was recorded as Jamaica's Own Vagabonds within two weeks of their arrival, and is one of the first examples of Jamaican ska music to be recorded in the UK. After meeting manager Peter Meaden in 1965, Jimmy James and the Vagabonds supported The Who and Rod Stewart who was with his group The Steampacket at the Marquee Club in London. The band played the Shanklin Pier ballroom on the Isle of Wight in June 1965 and returned for two further sold-out concerts that summer. He and the Vagabonds shared several bills with Jimi Hendrix's band, The Experience, during the late 1960s when they were both trying to establish themselves. "We used to hang out a lot at clubs like the Bag O' Nails, the Cromwellian and Whiskey A Go Go. A great guy, very quiet and unassuming," James recalled. The Vagabonds and the Experience also played the Ricky Tick and Upper Cut clubs in London in December 1966 and January 1967 respectively, and at the Beachcomber Ballroom in Nottingham.
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, London Swings – Live at the Marquee Club, 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. They had hits in the UK Singles Chart with " I'll Go Where Your Music Takes Me" and "Now Is The Time". Without James, the Vagabonds recorded an album (Ska-Time) as "Jamaica's Original Vagabonds" which was released in 1970.
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. 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. In 2013, they toured with James' early hero, Ben E. King.
In February 2014, the song "Whatever You Need", written by drummer Russ Courtenay and Harriet Roberts featured on Tina Turner's album, Love Songs.
The Vagabonds
Members of the Vagabonds have included:
Rupert Balgobin (drums, 1960–70)
Barry Sutton (Trumpet, 1967–70)
Colston Chen (bass, 1960–70)
Phil Chen (guitar, 1960–70)
Fred Fredericks (saxophone, 1960–70)
Carl Griffiths (saxophone, 1960–70)
Count Prince Miller (vocals, 1960–70) died in 2018
Carl Noel (keyboards, 1960–67)
Art Regis (Hammond organ, 1967–1969)
Wallace Wilson (guitar, 1960–70)
Stewart Blandamer (saxophone, 1970-1972
Steve Farr (saxophone, 1970-1972)
Bill Roberts (guitar, 1970-1972)
Eddy Spence (keyboards, 1970-1972)
Kelvin(Kelly)Cantlon (bass, 1970-1972)
Mick Dolan (drums, 1970-1972)
Alan Wood (bass, 1973–77)
Martin Dale (trumpet, 1971)
Dave Hopper (guitar, 1973–74)
Fred Guite (drums, 1973–74)
Pete Wright (drums, 1974–75)
Russ Courtenay (drums, 1975–77)
Chris Garfield (guitar, 1975–77)
Alan Kirk (keyboards, 1975–77)
Pete Gill (drums, 1974–1975)
John Steele (guitar, 1974–1975)
Rick Sequeira (keyboards, 1974–1975)
Andrew Platts (trombone and vocals 1977–1979)
Glenn Harland (Lead Guitarist 1981–1984)
John Wintony (keyboards 1981–1984)
Dave Bussey (drums 1981–1984
Chris Turner (bass 1981–1984)
Steve Ward (lead guitarist, 1990–1995)
David Cooke (keyboards, 1990–1995)
Pat Coleman (drums, 1990–1994)
Mario James (bass, 1990–1992)
Mike Scrimshaw (bass, 1992)
Dean Spain (backing vocals, 1998–current)
Discography
"Red Red Wine" – 1968 – Pye – No. 36 UK
A Man Like Me -1972 - Stateside Records Did not Chart
I'll Go Where your Music Takes Me– Pye – No. 23 UK
"You Don't Stand a Chance if You Can't Dance" - 1975 - PYE Records Limited
"Now Is The Time" – 1976 – Pye – No. 5 UK
Hungry for Love
Jimmy James & The Vagabonds Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'Hungry for Love' by these artists:
Alistair Griffin Dazed, confused, my hearts abused I wake alone I see coffe…
Alistair Griffin & Riccardi Dazed, confused, my hearts abused I wake alone I see coffee …
Bad Boys Blue Tossin' and turnin' There's a fever so deep inside The feve…
Davis? You stimulate me so much [Chorus: ] Hungry, hungry for yo…
Di-rect Days confused My heart's abused I wake up alone I see coffee…
Hanson You stimulate me so much [Chorus: ] Hungry, hungry for your…
Hanson & Davis You stimulate me so much [Chorus: ] Hungry, hungry for yo…
I.K. Dairo and his Blue Spot Band See you thought the window I watch you while you're lunching…
Icon Mmm... Ever since she can remember She'd play with love …
Jesper Munk I guess I handled wrong Giving up so carelessly But I ain'…
John Cale If your hungry, hungry for love See me, come see me…
Johnny Kidd I'm so hungry, so hungry for love I'm so hungry, so…
K. van Haaren 더 이상은 애매하게 밀기도 당기기도 싫어요 결심했죠 단 한 사람 그대만을 바라보겠다고 정말 터질…
k.d. lang Love for sale Appetizing young love for sale Love that's fre…
Katie Reider My love for you Is higher than the stars above And my…
Lion I'm giving you a piece Of my love that you need…
Marching Church Bailo otra vez borracho desaprobando la dictadura del orgasm…
Patsy Cline I'm hungry for love Like a hobo for food Like…
Patsy Cline & Anita Kerr Singers I'm hungry for love Like a hobo for food Like the devil…
Searchers (448) I'm so hungry, so hungry for love I'm so hungry, so…
Shannon You light the fire inside my heart You keep me going…
Stonewall Jackson How many arms hold the wrong one so tight under…
The A-Cads I'm so hungry, so hungry for love I'm so hungry, so…
The Dooleys I guess I knew from the moment that we met You…
The Dramatics Woah hoooo hooo wooo hooo hooo hoo hoo hoo Thank you…
The Guys Wasting all my days in vain Nothing seems to ease the…
The Pointer Sisters As I stand alone on this moonful night For the…
The Searchers I'm so hungry, so hungry for love I'm so hungry, so…
The Weather Girls Oh oh oh Oh oh uhh Just like an angel Flying high up…
Todd Rundgren Mom's old fashion cooking Caviar and champagne A meal at McD…
various artists For you, my love, I'd do most anything, For you, my…
Whitesnake I keep hangin' on the promise of love Your eyes…
We have lyrics for these tracks by Jimmy James & The Vagabonds:
Ain't Too Proud to Beg I know you wanna leave me, But I refuse to let…
Amen See the little baby, Amen Wrapped in a manger Amen…
Cry Like a Baby When I think about the good love you gave me I…
Do It Right Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans And…
Everybody Loves a Winner Once I had fame Oh I was full of pride Had lots…
Fool for You Just passing though This world of mine Take my time Only god…
Good Day Sunshine Good day sunshine, Good day sunshine, Good day sunshine. I n…
I Gotta Dance to Keep from Cryin' Gather 'round my friends here Help me forget my hurtin' tear…
I Gotta Dance To Keep From Crying Gather 'round my friends here Help me forget my hurtin' tear…
I Wanna Be I'll be your mirror Reflect what you are In case you don't…
Life In dreams, much too wasted A rose growing from the ground Oh…
Never Like This Before I like things that go fast 'Cause I know that…
Now Is The Time (Now!) now is the time to set things right (Now!) now…
People Get Ready People get ready There's a train a comin' You don't need no…
Red Red Wine Red, red wine, Goes to my head, Makes me forget that i Still…
Stay With Me Isto é uma desculpa prós cansados Falecidos, inanimados Que …
We have lyrics for these tracks by Jimmy James:
Bewildered And Blue Bewildered, bewildered am I over you Bewildered, bewildered,…
Come to Me Softly (feat. Marcia Griffiths) Come to me softly, while stars beam above Walk with me quie…
CRY LIKE A BABY When I think about the good love you gave me I…
Famous Don't judge me by disarray My life is about to change All…
Fashionista Everybody line up The show is about to start Places, the sho…
Fashionista (Original Extended Everybody line up The show is about to start Places, the sho…
Fashionista. Everybody line up The show is about to start Places, the sho…
Good Day Sunshine Good day sunshine, Good day sunshine, Good day sunshine. I n…
Heading For Nowhere I keep heading down this lonely road But I'm heading for…
I Got You Babe People say that we don′t know What love is or how…
I Got You Babe (Sonny & Cher Vocal) People say that we don't know What love is or how…
Kissing a Fraud Stun Caught by surprise Cause I Thought you were the one …
People People get ready There's a train a comin' You don't need no…
Summer Sun Baby wake up Come on and shake up Can you see the…
Time (Now!) now is the time to set things right (Now!) now…
We have lyrics for these tracks by The Vagabonds:
Ain't Too Proud to Beg I know you wanna leave me, But I refuse to let…
Do It Right I won't lie, I've been losing my mind trying Cause it…
Everybody Loves a Winner Once I had fame Oh I was full of pride Had lots…
People Get Ready People get ready There's a train a comin' You don't need no…
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
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