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
Little Boy Blue
Jimmy James & The Vagabonds Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'Little Boy Blue' by these artists:
Ambrose and His Orchestra Christmas comes but once a year for every girl and…
Angel And when I get there imma send you a postcard I've…
B.Aishwarya Just a little story How could you do this to me I'm…
Bang Oh! Little Boy Blue, now where you going to Your eyes…
Bert Ambrose Christmas comes but once a year for every girl and…
Big Walter Horton Little Boy Blue Come blow your horn The dish ran away with…
Billy Vaughn The little toy dog is covered with dust But sturdy and…
Bobby When I thought I was so high above you You were…
Bobby "Blue" Bland When I thought I was so high above you You were…
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Well, I'm knocking on the door of your heart my…
Carl Perkins One more time Just a little thing they call they poor…
Charlie Daniels Out on the desert when the wind blows the sand…
Chicago Blues All-Stars Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum Our newborn King…
Cole Holly Little Boy Blue come blow your horn The dish ran away…
Countdown Kids Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum Our newborn King…
Crystal Gayle Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum Our newborn King…
Crystal Gayle/Tom Waits Little boy blue Come blow your horn The dish ran away with…
David I imagine I can see you But I can’t see you…
George Jones Well, I'm knocking on the door of your heart, my…
H. Lynn Kitchens The little boys The little girls They choose a side Oh no O…
Holly Cole Little Boy Blue come blow your horn The dish ran away…
Huelyn Duvall [Chorus:] Little boy blue Come blow your horn The sheep's in…
Ian A. Anderson Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum Our newborn King…
Kidzone Little Boy Blue Come blow your horn The sheep's in the meado…
Les Chalimon & Friends Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum Our newborn King…
Lightnin' Hopkins Baby, you mistreated me all the time Baby, you mistreated me…
Louis Voss And His Orchestra Christmas comes but once a year for every girl and…
Mr. Ray & The Little Sunshine Kids Singers Come, they told me, pa rum pum pum pum Our newborn…
Otis Spann Little boy blue, please come blow your horn Little boy blue,…
Pat Kelly You're cryin', little boy blue Are you unhappy, little boy b…
Rober Jr Lockwood Little boy blue, please come blow your horn Little boy blue,…
Rufus Time comes down You got to take it on yourself You got…
Rufus & Chaka Khan Time comes down You got to take it on yourself You got…
Scrapper Blackwell ...Boy Blue, come blow your horn Sheep′s in the meadow and…
TaliasVan & The Bright & Morning Star Band Come they told me Pa rum, pum, pum, pum A new born…
The Browns Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum Our newborn king…
The Hit Crew Little boy blue, come blow your horn, The sheep's in the…
The Impressions You're cryin', little boy blue Are you unhappy little boy b…
The Kiboomers 1 little, 2 little, 3 little pilgrims 4 little, 5…
The Rifles There maybe wars, there maybe fights Things I believed in, …
Tom Waits Little boy blue Come blow your horn The dish ran away with…
Tom Waits / Crystal Gayle Little boy blue Come blow your horn The dish ran away with…
Tom Waits w. Crystal Gayle Little boy blue Come blow your horn The dish ran away with…
Tom Waits/Crystal Gayle Little boy blue Come blow your horn The dish ran away with…
Various Artists kau bunga surgawi isinkan aku memujamu engkau bagai bunga da…
Vera Lynn and Kenneth McKellar Christmas comes but once a year for every girl and…
Vern & Son Ho boy I heard a lot of noise But I can't…
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah Sit there and count your fingers What can you do Old girl…
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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shorelineboy
Jimmy is so great. Still going strong
demodiscs
Hi I was going to take the hint :-) then checked - it's on YT...and you are right -you can't really top Curtis ...bless him Cheers Derek
NOLA soulchild
Oh my!!! Thanks to my friend, now Norman,ive discovered this song. I love it!!!
Jay Hendricks
Another one of Curtis Mayfield Greatest Compositions
Derek Noble
Hi Thanks for your comment New Religion in my top 5 soul albums for sure :-)