Jimi Jamison

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Jimi Jamison
Jamison performing at the Rainbow
Jamison performing at the Rainbow
Background information
Birth nameJimmy Wayne Jamison
Also known asJimi Jamison, Jim Jamison, Jamo
Born(1951-08-23)August 23, 1951
Durant, Mississippi, U.S.
OriginRaleigh, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
DiedSeptember 1, 2014(2014-09-01) (aged 63)
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)Singer
Years active1967–2014
Labels

Jimmy Wayne Jamison (August 23, 1951 – September 1, 2014)[1] was an American singer. Best known as Jimi Jamison, he earned recognition as the frontman for the rock bands Target, Cobra, and Survivor from 1984 to 1989, performing the songs "Burning Heart" from the film Rocky IV, "The Moment of Truth" from The Karate Kid, along with other top-20 Survivor hits "I Can't Hold Back", "High On You", "The Search Is Over" and "Is This Love". He officially rejoined Survivor in 2000, remaining in the group until 2006, only to rejoin again in 2011. Acclaimed for his vocal abilities, Jamison is also known for having co-written and performed the theme song "I'm Always Here" for the 1990s TV series Baywatch.

Early life[edit]

Jimmy Wayne Jamison was born in rural Durant, Mississippi, but liked to think of himself as a Memphis, Tennessee native, as he and his mother Dorothy moved there when he was one day old. In his teens, growing up in Blues-Rock and Soul music, he taught himself how to play the guitar and piano. The first song Jimi ever performed in front of a crowd was "Day Tripper" by The Beatles, while he was in middle school (Sherwood) in the mid-1960s.[citation needed]

Career[edit]

Early career[edit]

Jimi began playing in an R&B band called The Debuts. It was to be Jamison's first taste of success, and he was only 12 years old at the time.[citation needed] While students at Messick High School, the band had a hit with their first single, the Wayne Carson-penned "If I Cry" in 1968.[2][better source needed] It was a song originally intended for fellow Memphis band The Box Tops, but the group discarded the tune before recording it; Box Tops frontman Alex Chilton gave it to The Debuts instead. The band were picked up and signed by Atlantic Records. Soon the teenagers hit the road with the likes of Roy Orbison and Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels, also touring with The Buckinghams. The band broke up in 1969, but Jimi and Rowell continued playing together years later before going their separate ways.[3] Meanwhile, Jamison became part of a self-contained group of musicians (including Tommy Cathey) recording with local keyboardist David Beaver; Jamison features prominently as lead vocalist on the 1973 album, Combinations (credited to D. Beaver).[4]

Target (1974–1980)[edit]

After the second sessions recording with David Beaver, both Jamison and Cathey teamed up with guitarist Buddy Davis and formed the Memphis southern rock band Target in the mid 1970s. The band started and became a local arena band playing live constantly building up their reputation. Having success, the band released the albums Target (1976) and Captured (1977) on A&M Records with the singles "Are you Ready", "Let Me Live" and "It is Only Love",[5] opening concerts for Black Sabbath, Boston, and KISS.[6]

Cobra (1981–1983)[edit]

In 1982, Jamison joined guitarist Mandy Meyer (ex-Krokus), guitarist/keyboardist Jack Holder (ex-Black Oak Arkansas), bassist Tommy Keiser, and drummer Jeff Klaven in the band Cobra, managed by Butch Stone (who also managed Target as well as Krokus and Black Oak Arkansas), replacing original vocalist Tommy Andris. The band became a hit in the Memphis scene and signed with Epic Records. The group released one album, the Tom Allom-produced First Strike, in 1983. The British music magazine Kerrang! listed the album at number one in its import charts[7] with the song "Blood On Your Money" getting MTV airplay, being Jamison's first music video.[8]

"Looking at You" and "Travelin' Man" were promoted at the Memphis TV Club. Cobra started touring in the United States opening for Quiet Riot, Nazareth, and Krokus. Their live performance on November 27, 1983, was broadcast on the King Biscuit Flower Hour (KBFH) and later partly released on the Live Attack! and Only You Can Rock Me bootlegs. The live set included a half dozen unreleased songs, including their original "I'm a Fighter", written by Jimi and Mandy, which was covered by the group Van Zant in the mid-1980s. Meanwhile, First Strike was only a moderate commercial success, and the band split at the end of the year, primarily due to each member wanting to do different things.[9]

Survivor (1984–1989)[edit]

After Cobra's demise in 1984, Jamison was invited to join Survivor, whose success had been waning since their number-one hit "Eye of the Tiger" in 1982. The band had recently parted ways with original singer Dave Bickler, due to his vocal cord injuries that required a lengthy convalescence. After a successful audition with the band, Jamison joined them despite some misgivings about Survivor's pop rock sound.[10] He provided a spark to the band, eventually gaining great success and putting the band back on top. His first recording with the band was "The Moment of Truth" (The Karate Kid theme song), which reached number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1984.[11]

Jamison's first full album with Survivor, and the band's fifth overall, was Vital Signs, released later in 1984. That album reached number 16 on the Billboard Album Chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA. The album included the hit singles "High on You" (which reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart),[12] "I Can't Hold Back" (number 13 on the singles chart and number 1 on Top Rock Tracks chart),[13] with Jamison proving to be a worthy frontman and a photogenic face of the band, which helped the video for this song get significant airplay on MTV, and "The Search Is Over" (number 4 on the singles chart and number 1 on the adult contemporary chart).[14] "First Night" also reached number 53 on the singles chart.[15]

The band began touring in Chicago and Indianapolis in 1984, in 1985 the band went on tour with headliner Bryan Adams, performing at his sold-out concerts at Nashville's War Memorial Auditorium, the Dallas Convention Center, the San Antonio Convention Center and the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans.[16] They also toured with REO Speedwagon around that time with appearances at San Diego sports arena and other venues, plus touring in Tokyo, Japan in which they released a DVD of the concert and appearing and performing in different Japanese Television Shows. That same year Survivor was requested by Stallone once again to do the theme song for the next Rocky film, achieving another hit with "Burning Heart" from the film Rocky IV. In early 1986, the single peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.[17]

Jamison's second album with Survivor, When Seconds Count, was released on October 9, 1986, and included the hit single "Is This Love" (number 9 on the singles chart).[18] The album peaked at a disappointing number 49 on the Billboard Album Chart but still managed to sell over 500,000 copies and was certified Gold. This album also featured Jamison making songwriting contributions to the band's repertoire, including the single "Man Against the World" (number 86).[19] This song was originally slated for inclusion on the Rocky IV soundtrack and was in fact later included in that album's 2006 reissue. Another single, "How Much Love" peaked at number 51 on the singles chart, while "In Good Faith" was promoted in Europe, with the band performing in German TV Shows.[20]

Survivor released their final 80's album Too Hot to Sleep in late 1988. Jamison would later cite the album as his personal favorite with Survivor,[21] but it suffered from a lack of record company promotion and only reached number 187 on the Billboard albums chart. Three singles were released, with "Across the Miles" reaching number 74 on the singles chart, "Didn't Know It Was Love" reaching number 61, and "Desperate Dreams" receiving promotion in Europe, but the band could not sustain the success from their previous albums.[22]

Solo career (1989–1999)[edit]

In 1989, Jamison contributed his own version of "Ever Since the World Began", a song Survivor had initially recorded prior to his tenure in the band, to the Sylvester Stallone's film, Lock Up, after being requested by Stallone. That same year, he was invited to join Deep Purple, who had just fired longtime singer Ian Gillan. After a two-week session with the band, he reluctantly parted ways with them; according to Deep Purple organist Jon Lord, "He [Jamison] was an enormous Deep Purple fan and he would happily have taken over the job. But at the time he was afraid of his managers. They didn't want him to leave [Survivor] and he didn't dare to get into a fight with them." In fact, Jamison's managers wanted him to concentrate on his upcoming solo album instead of joining Deep Purple.[23] Also in 1989, Jamison briefly united with his Target bandmates for a "10-Year Reunion" concert in Memphis and was part of the New Year's Eve celebration in the Crown Plaza. It was also around this time that Jamison performed the entrance song "Hard Time" for the wrestler Big Boss Man when he was in the WWF.[24]

Jamison's first solo album When Love Comes Down was released in July 1991.[25] While neither the album nor any of its singles made much impact on the charts, the songs "Rock Hard" and "Taste of Love" were used in episodes of Baywatch, and the latter was also used in the 1992 film Jersey Girl.[26] Jamison's association with Baywatch began that same year, when CBS enlisted him to create a song for the then-just acquired TV Series; Jimi would co-write (with Cory Lerios and John D'Andrea) and perform "I'm Always Here," the series theme song. The song achieved success and pop culture recognition, with various versions of the song appearing as the show's opening theme until 2001.[citation needed]

Jamison began touring under the name Survivor or Jimi Jamison's Survivor with a new solo band consisting of Hal Butler (keyboards, vocals), Jeff Adams (bass, vocals), Bill Marshall (drums), and initially official Survivor member Frankie Sullivan on guitar, though he was soon replaced by Jeff Miller. Sullivan and Jim Peterik from the "official" Survivor then filed a lawsuit against their one-time bandmate for continuing to bill his group as "Survivor", but were unsuccessful in preventing Jamison from touring under the band's name until 1999. During this period, the Scotti Brothers label released two Survivor compilation albums featuring songs from Jamison's tenure.[27][better source needed]

The solo album Empires, featuring a re-recorded version of "I'm Always Here" and a cover of "Love is Alive" by Gary Wright, was released under the name Jimi Jamison's Survivor in October 1999.[28][better source needed]

Second tenure with Survivor (2000–2006)[edit]

Jamison reunited with Survivor in March 2000, replacing original singer Dave Bickler once again.[citation needed] In 2002, the band released "Christmas is Here", which reached No. 6 on the Mediabase Christmas charts.[29] In 2005, Jamison and the band were part of a Starbucks commercial, making an Eye of the Tiger parody, which gave them an Emmy Nomination.[citation needed] Jamison and the band released the album Reach in April 2006. The album was Survivor's first new album in 18 years.[30] Jamison quit the band shortly after the release of Reach, on July 14.[citation needed]

Return to solo work (2007–2014)[edit]

Jamison released the solo album Crossroads Moment in Europe in July 2008 and in America the following year. The album was produced by his former Survivor bandmate Jim Peterik. He continued touring in Rio, Brazil, Chile and in Barcelona, Spain. A companion album of outtakes called Extra Moments was released in 2010, the additional tracks had been compiled by Jamison and Peterik as a benefit for the music website melodicrock.com.[31]

In 2011, Jamison teamed up with Toto singer Bobby Kimball for the album Kimball Jamison.[32] The two singers shared lead vocals on songs written by Richard Page (Mr Mister), Randy Goodrum (Toto, Steve Perry), John Waite, and other notable rock songwriters.[33]

During this period Jamison also formed the band One Man's Trash with Fred Zahl. That group released the album History in December 2011 for Starhouse Records.[34] The band earned an endorsement from the guitar company Hofner.[35]

Final tenure with Survivor (2011–2014)[edit]

Jamison (left) with Survivor in 2013

Jamison again reunited with Survivor in 2011.[36] In November of that year he performed Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" (on which he did not sing originally) for boxer Manny Pacquiao's entrance into the ring for his bout against Shane Mosley at MGM Grand Las Vegas. Fueled by popular demand, Jamison would repeat the performance the following year for the boxer's next title defense.[36]

In 2013, it was announced on the band's official media sources that Sullivan had reunited the current Survivor line-up with Bickler. They were also working on new material and looking forward to getting back into the studio together.[37] Jamison participated in further tours with Survivor[38] and would remain with the band until his death in 2014.[citation needed]

Jamison's last show was on August 30, 2014, in Morgan Hill, California, at the CANcert benefit event during the ARTTEC Summer Concert Series (arttecusa.com). The benefit raised funds and awareness for two non-profits supporting cancer patients as well as career training opportunities for high school students. Survivor's 58-minute set consisted of "Feels Like Love", "Broken Promises", "Take You on a Saturday", "High on You", "Rockin' into the Night", "The Search Is Over", "Rebel Girl", "I Can't Hold Back", "Burning Heart", "Poor Man's Son", "It's the Singer Not the Song" and ended with "Eye of the Tiger".[39]

Collaborations[edit]

Throughout his career, Jamison provided background vocals for several bands and artists such as Degarmo & Key (This Ain't Hollywood, 1980, Heat it Up, 1993 and To Extremes, 1994); Gary Chapman (Sincerely Yours, 1981); Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart (Brand New Start, 1982 and Sheep In Wolves Clothing, 1985); Krokus (Headhunter, 1983 and The Blitz, 1984); Molly Hatchet (The Deed is Done, 1984); and The Blackwood Brothers (All Their Best, 1984).[40] He provided backing vocals throughout ZZ Top's 1983 album Eliminator and also for that band's contribution to the Back to the Future III soundtrack in 1990.[41][42] Frontman Billy Gibbons referred to Jamison as the "fourth member" of the group after working, touring and hanging out with them in multiple occasions.[41]

Jamison contributed vocals for Joe Walsh on the albums Got any Gum? (1987), Ordinary Average Guy (1991), and Songs for a Dying Planet (1992).[43] He was co-lead vocals with Walsh on the 1991 single "All of a Sudden", which reached number 13 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.[44] He also worked with the Fabulous Thunderbirds (Powerful Stuff, 1989), Ten Years After (About Time, 1989), Omar & the Howlers (Wall of Pride, 1988), Eric Gales Band (The Eric Gales Band, 1991 and Picture of a Thousand Faces, 1993),[45] and Chris Bailey. (Demons, 1991),[46]

Jamison provided backing vocals for long-time Heart guitarist Howard Leese's solo album Secret Weapon (2009).[47] He released the single "House That Love Built" in early 2010 as a benefit for the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis.[48] He also recorded the charity single "One Family" in 2011 with the all-star ensemble United Rockers 4 U, which also included Bobby Kimball, Don Dokken, Eddie Money, Jeff Paris, Paul Shortino, Phil Lewis, Richie Kotzen, and Robin McAuley.[49] Jamison contributed backing vocals to the album Naked but Dressed by Dominoe in 2012.[50] He contributed to an all-star tribute to Steve Miller Band in 2013.[51] One of his last vocal performances was the song "Summer Rains" on guitarist Tommy Denander's 2015 release F4ur by the band Radioactive.[52]

Style and legacy[edit]

Jamison performing in 2012

Jamison earned acclaim for his vocal abilities.[53][54][55] "We didn't even consider it [pitch editing] on him," sound engineer Terry Manning says. "We didn't even have it back then. He never needed it. He could hold pitch. He could sing vibrato when needed. He could sing straight when needed. He could do whatever you needed. Casey Kasem, the big DJ guy, called him 'The Voice.' That's what he named him. He just was the voice."[56] Jamison is an Honorary Member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone magazine called Jamison "a true Rock and Roll Legend."[57]

Personal life and death[edit]

In 1972, Jamison married Brenda Fay Mason, who is the mother of his first child. They divorced in 1983 and Jamison later married Deborah Teal in 1985. With Teal, he had two more children. Jamison and Teal separated in 1999. When not traveling or performing, Jamison enjoyed gardening, throwing horseshoes, various sports such as tennis and golf, and spending time with his family.[58]

Jamison died on September 1, 2014, at his home in Raleigh, Memphis, Tennessee, aged 63. While he was initially thought to have died of a heart attack, his autopsy revealed he had cardiovascular disease and narrowing of the arteries and that he died of a hemorrhagic brain stroke, with "acute methamphetamine intoxication contributing".[59][60] His death was ruled accidental.[60]

Discography[edit]

With Survivor

Album Year Label United StatesUS Billboard 200 SwitzerlandSwiss GermanyGer SwedenSwe United StatesCertification RIAA CanadaCertification
Vital Signs 1984 Scotti Bro. & Volcano #16 #27 #48 Platinum Gold
When Seconds Count 1986 Scotti Brothers #49 #30 Gold
Too Hot to Sleep 1988 Scotti Brothers #187 #23 #55 #48
Reach 2006 Frontiers Records

Solo

Album Year Label With EuropeAlbum of The Year
When Love Comes Down 1991 Scotti Bro. & Top Notch Records
Empires 1999 Scotti Bro. & Frontiers Records Lisa Frazier (One Song)
Crossroads Moment 2008 Frontiers Records Jim Peterik #3
Extra Moments 2010 MelodicRock Records Jim Peterik
Kimball/Jamison 2011 Frontiers Records Bobby Kimball
Never Too Late 2012 Frontiers Records
Rock Hard 2022 Iconoclassic Records

Other bands

Album Year Label Artist Role United KingdomUK Import Charts
Combinations 1973 TMI D Beaver Lead & Backing Vocals
Target 1976 A&M Records Target Lead Vocals
Captured 1977 A&M Records Target Lead Vocals
First Strike 1983 Epic Records Cobra Lead Vocals #1
History 2011 Starhouse Records One Man's Trash Feat. Jimi Jamison & Fred Zahl Lead Vocals

Other groups/collaborations

Album Year Label Artist Role With
This Ain't Hollywood 1980 Degarmo & Key Backing Vocals
Eliminator 1983 Warner Bro. Records ZZ Top Backing Vocals
Headhunter 1983 Arista Krokus Backing Vocals
The Blitz 1983 Arista Krokus Backing Vocals
The Deed is Done 1984 Epic Records Molly Hatchet Backing Vocals
Got any Gum? 1987 Warner Bro. & Full Moon Joe Walsh Backing Vocals
Wall of Pride 1988 Omar & the Howlers Backing Vocals
Memory in the Making 1988 Geffen records John Kilzer Backing Vocals
Powerful Stuff 1989 CBS The Fabulous Thunderbirds Backing Vocals
About Time 1989 Chrysalis Ten Years After Backing Vocals
Worrall 1991 Spy Records Rick & Steve Worrall Backing Vocals Shawn Lane
Ordinary Average Guy 1991 Epic Records Joe Walsh Backing Vocals & Co-Lead (One Song)
The Eric Gales Band 1991 Elektra Records Eric Gales Backing Vocals
Songs for a Dying Planet 1992 Epic Records Joe Walsh Backing Vocals & Co-Lead (One Song)
Feel This 1992 Arista Jeff Healey Band Backing Vocals
Picture of a Thousand Faces 1993 Elektra Records Eric Gales Backing Vocals
Wake up Screaming 1993 Chrysalis Every Mother's Nightmare Backing Vocals
Hepfidelity 1993 Johnny Diesel Backing Vocals
Heat it Up 1993 Benson Records Degarmo & Key Backing Vocals
To Extremes 1994 Benson Records Degarmo & Key Backing Vocals
Big Tent Revival 1995 Big Tent Revival Backing Vocals
Funkology XIII 2005 TopNotch Records Whitney Wolanin Co-Lead Vocals (One Song)
Secret Weapon 2009 Frontiers Records Howard Leese Lead Vocals (One Song)
Matt Kennon 2010 BamaJam & Stroudavarious Matt Kennon Backing Vocals
Naked But Dressed 2012 Universal Music Group Dominoe Feat. Jimi Jamison Co-Lead Vocals (One Song)
Karmalion 2013 New Venture Music Indicco Feat. Jimi Jamison Backing and Co-Lead Vocals
Fly Like an Eagle: An All-Star Tribute to the Steve Miller Band 2013 Jimi Jamison & Jordan Reduss Lead Vocals (One Song)
Light My Fire: A Classic Rock Salute to The Doors 2014 Purple Pyramid Records Jimi Jamison Lead Vocals (One Song)
F4ur 2015 Scape Music Radioactive Lead Vocals (One Song)
Red Blooded American Girl 2015 Gema Pearl Feat. Jimi Jamison Co-Lead Vocals (One Song)
Matter of Passion 2018 Starhouse Records Ally McMirror Feat. Jimi Jamison Co-Lead Vocals
Battle Hymn of the Republic 2018 Various Artists
Winds Of Change 2019 Frontiers Records Jim Peterik Feat. Jimi Jamison Lead Vocals

Issued/remastered

Album Year Label Artist Role
The Mofo Sessions 2009 (1993 recorded) Time Wrap Records Jimi Jamison & Steve Cox Lead Vocals
Unreleased Music 2012 (2007 recorded) SongCast Music Distribution Jimi Jamison Lead Vocals
In Range 2017 (1979 Recorded) Escape Music Target Lead Vocals

Unofficial/unreleased

Album Year Artist
Live at the High Cotton Club 1975 Target
Pre Bites 1982 Cobra
Only You Can Rock Me 1983 Cobra
Jamo Sessions Vol. 1 1990 Jimi Jamison
Jamo Sessions Vol. 2 1995 Jimi Jamison's Survivor
Have Mercy: The Demos 2000 Jimi Jamison's Survivor
The Demos 07 2007 Jimi Jamison & Jim Peterik

Compilation albums

Album Year Label Artist
Live in Indianapolis 1984 Survivor
Live in Tokyo 1985 Survivor
Live in Nagoya 1986 Survivor
the best collection of survivor 1986 Scotti Brothers Survivor
The Very Best Of Survivor 1986 Scotti Brothers Survivor
Live in Osaka 1987 Survivor
Live in Jackson, NY 1987 Survivor
Live in Nelson, NJ 1987 Survivor
Greatest Hits 1989 Volcano Survivor
The Best Of Survivor   1989 Scotti Brothers Survivor
New Years Eve in Memphis 1989 Jimi Jamison
Greatest Hits The Video Collection 1993 Scotti Brothers Survivor
Jimi Jamison's Survivor Collection 1 1993 Scotti Brothers Jimi Jamison's Survivor
Jimi Jamison's Survivor Collection 2 1994 Scotti Brothers Jimi Jamison's Survivor
American Television's Greatest Hits 1995 Jimi Jamison
Live in Maine 1996 Jimi Jamison's Survivor
Live in Houston 1996 Jimi Jamison's Survivor
Live in Belgium 1997 Jimi Jamison's Survivor
Prime Cuts: The Classic Tracks 1998 Survivor
Jimi Jamison's Survivor I'm Always Here 1999 Scotti Brothers Jimi Jamison's Survivor
Live in Las Vegas 1999 Jimi Jamison
Survivor Special Selection 2000 Survivor
Live at Hershey Park 2000 Survivor
Gathering of tigers 2000 Survivor
Millenium stage 2000 Survivor
Uprising 2000 Survivor
Live in Hachenburg 2001 Survivor
Fire in Your Eyes: Greatest Hits 2001 Survivor
Across the German miles 2001 Survivor
The battle of Woodlands 2001 Survivor
Volunteers for America 2001 Survivor
Live in the Big Apple 2002 Survivor
Turning back time 2002 Survivor
Driven to Detroit 2002 Survivor
Live in Mc Henry 2003 Survivor
Ultimate Survivor 2004 Survivor
Extended Versions: The Encore Collection 2004 Survivor
Pearls of Survivor 2005 Survivor
Take you on a Vegas Saturday 2005 Survivor
Live in Kansas 2006 Survivor
The Best Of Survivor 2006 Volcano Survivor
Live at the Waukesha Country Fair 2006 Survivor
Live in Orlando 2006 Survivor
Live in Pewaukee 2006 Survivor
The Eye of The Tiger in Rio 2008 Jimi Jamison
Live in Brasil 2008 Jimi Jamison
Voices of Rock Radio 2008 Jimi Jamison
Live in Barcelona 2009 Jimi Jamison
Live in Santiago, Chile 2009 Jimi Jamison
Playlist: The Very Best Of Survivor 2009 Volcano Survivor
Best Of Survivor 2009 Sony Records Survivor
Live at Firefest 2010 Jimi Jamison
Super Hits 2010 Sony Records Survivor
The Voice of The Tiger in Hamburg 2011 Jimi Jamison
Unreleased Music 2012 SongCast Music Distribution Jimi Jamison
The Definitive Collection 2016 Survivor

Singles/promos/EPs[edit]

Title Song Year Album Artist
"If I Cry" 1968 - The Debuts
"It's Gonna Take Time" 1973 Combinations D Beaver
"Are You Ready" 1976 Target Target
"Let Me Live" 1976 Target Target
"It's Only Love" 1977 Captured Target
"Holdin' On" 1977 Captured Target
"Shine the Light" 1977 Captured Target
"Blood on Your Money" 1983 First Strike Cobra
"Looking at You" 1983 First Strike Cobra
"Travelin' Man" 1983 First Strike Cobra
Title Song Year Album Artist United StatesUS Mainstream Rock
"I'm a Fighter" 1983,

1985

Live Attack,

Van Zant

Cobra,

Van Zant

#16
Originally recorded from Cobra, written by Jamison and Meyer. Cover and used by Van Zant.
Title Song Year Album Artist United StatesBillboard United StatesMainstream United StatesAdult United StatesYear-end 1985 Australia United Kingdom Canada Belgium
"The Moment of Truth" 1984 The Karate Kid Soundtrack,

Vital Signs (by Rock Candy in 2009)

Survivor #63
"I Can't Hold Back" 1984 Vital Signs Survivor #13 #1 #73 #93 #80 #18
"High on You" 1985 Vital Signs Survivor #8 #8
"The Search Is Over" 1985 Vital Signs Survivor #4 #1 #48 #60 #21
"First Night" 1985 Vital Signs Survivor #53
Title Song Year Album Artist
"Burning Heart" 1985 Rocky IV Soundtrack,

When Seconds Count (by Rock Candy in 2009),

Empires

Survivor,

Jimi Jamison

Region Chart Pos. 1985–86 Year-End 1986 Region Chart Pos. 1985–86
United StatesBillboard 100 #2 United StatesBillboard 100 #8
United StatesMainstream #11 NetherlandsNetherland #12
United KingdomSingles Chart #5 SwitzerlandSwiss #15
AustriaSingles Chart #6 FranceFrance #17
NetherlandsDutch Mega Top 100 #2 NetherlandsDutch Top 40 #17
EuropeHot 100 #1 BelgiumBelgium #19
FranceSNEP singles chart #2 GermanyGermany #30
GermanySingles Chart #6 ItalyItaly #47
Republic of IrelandSingles Chart #2 BrazilTop 100 #58
South AfricaSouth Africa #27 Certification Sales
SwedenSwedish #5 FranceFrance Gold 1.000.000+
SwitzerlandSwiss #1
CanadaCanada #14
BelgiumUltratop 50 singles #1
AustraliaAustralia #55
FinlandFinland #2
ItalyItaly #5
JapanJapanese #46
JapanJapanese (International) #1
Title Song Year Album Artist United StatesBillboard United StatesMainstream United StatesAdult Contemporary
"Is This Love" 1986 When Seconds Count Survivor #9 #27 #25
"How Much Love" 1987 When Seconds Count Survivor #51
"Man Against the World" 1987 When Seconds Count,

Rocky IV Soundtrack

Survivor #86
"In Good Faith" 1987 When Seconds Count Survivor
"Didn't Know It Was Love" 1988 To Hot to Sleep Survivor #61 #40
"Across the Miles" 1989 To Hot to Sleep Survivor #74 #16
"Desperate Dreams" 1989 To Hot to Sleep Survivor
"Ever Since the World Began" 1989 Lock Up Soundtrack Jimi Jamison
"Cry Alone" 1989 Lock Up Soundtrack,

When Love Comes Down

Jimi Jamison
"All of a Sudden" 1991 Ordinary Average Guy Joe Walsh feat. Jimi Jamison #13
Title Song Year Album Artist
"Taste of Love" 1991 When Love Comes Down,

Baywatch,

Jerswy Girl Soundtrack

Jimi Jamison
"Rock Hard" 1991 When Love Comes Down,

Baywatch

Jimi Jamison
"When Love Comes Down" 1991 When Love Comes Down Jimi Jamison
"Look at Us Now" 1992 Songs for a Dying Planet Joe Walsh feat. Jimi Jamison
Title Song Year Album Artist United StatesAmerica's Greatest TV Hits 1995 GermanyGermany Singles Chart 1999
"I'll Be Ready" 1993 Baywatch Theme Song,

Empires

Jimi Jamison #3 #95
Title Song Year Album Artist
"Have Mercy" 1996 Empires Jimi Jamison
"A Dream Too Far" 1999 Empires Jimi Jamison
"Keep It Evergreen" 1999 Empires Jimi Jamison
"Velocitized" 2001 Live Recorded Survivor
Title Song Year Album Artist United StatesChristmas Charts
"Christmas Is Here" 2002 A Classic Rock Christmas Survivor #6
Title Song Year Album Artist United StatesAdult Contemporary United KingdomUK
"It Takes Two" 2005 Funkology XIII Whitney Wolanin feat. Jimi Jamison #9
"Eye of the Tiger" (re-entry) 2005 Survivor #47
Title Song Year Album Artist
"Reach" 2006 Reach,

Rock the Bones Vol. 4

Survivor
"Fire Make Steel" 2006 Reach,

Rock the Bones Vol. 5

Survivor
"Come Dancin" 2007 The Demos 07 Jimi Jamison & Jim Peterik
"When Rock Was King" 2008 Crossroads Moment Jimi Jamison
"Alive" 2008 Crossroads Moment Jimi Jamison
"Streets of Heaven" 2009 Crossroads Moment Jimi Jamison
"The Vine" 2009 Secret Weapon Howard Leese & Jimi Jamison
"House That Love Built" 2010 Ronald McDonald House of Memphis Jimi Jamison
"I Wanna Touch There" 2010,

2013

Extra Moments,

Single

Jimi Jamison & Jim Peterik
"Heart of a Woman" 2010,

2012

Extra Moments,

Unreleased Music

Jimi Jamison & Jim Peterik
"Can't Wait for Love" 2011 Kimball Jamison Jimi Jamison & Bobby Kimball
"Worth Fighting For" 2011 Kimball Jamison Jimi Jamison & Bobby Kimball
"Find Another Way" 2011 Kimball Jamison Jimi Jamison & Bobby Kimball
"Sail Away" 2011 Kimball Jamison Jimi Jamison & Bobby Kimball
"Long Time" 2011 History One Man's Trash feat. Jimi Jamison & Fred Zahl
"History" 2011 History One Man's Trash feat. Jimi Jamison & Fred Zahl
"Restless Kind" 2012 History,

Restless Kind

One Man's Trash feat. Jimi Jamison & Fred Zahl
"Tears in My Eyes" 2012 History,

Restless Kind

One Man's Trash feat. Jimi Jamison & Fred Zahl
"Comin' Home" 2012 Naked But Dressed Dominoe feat. Jimi Jamison
"Never Too Late" 2012 Never Too Late Jimi Jamison
"Everybody's Got a Broken Heart" 2012 Never Too Late Jimi Jamison
"It Wouldn't Feel Like Christmas" 2012 Single Jimi Jamison
"The Sound of Home" 2012 Unreleased Music Jimi Jamison
"A Kiss to Remenber You By" 2012 Unreleased Music Jimi Jamison
"Space Cowboy" 2013 Fly Like an Eagle: An All-Star Tribute to the Steve Miller Band Jimi Jamison & Jordan Reduss
"Days of Wine Roses" 2013 Karmalion Indicco feat. Jimi Jamison
"Feel So Good" 2013 Karmalion Indicco feat. Jimi Jamison
"Ride the Wave" 2013 Karmalion Indicco feat. Jimi Jamison
"L.A. Woman" 2014 Light My Fire: A Classic Rock Salute to the Doors Jimi Jamison, Ted Turner & Patrick Moraz
"Mama" 2014 Single One Man's Trash feat. Jimi Jamison & Fred Zahl
"Summer Rains" 2015 F4ur Radioactive feat. Jimi Jamison
"Forever Ended Today" 2015 Red Blooded American Girl Gema Pearl feat. Jimi Jamison
"Love You All Over the World" 2019 Winds of Change Jim Peterik feat. Jimi Jamison

Music videos[edit]

Title Song Year Album Artist
"Blood On Your Money" 1983 First Strike Cobra
"Looking at You" 1983 First Strike Cobra
"The Moment of Truth" 1984 The Karate Kid Soundtrack,

Vital Signs (by Rock Candy in 2009)

Survivor
"I Can't Hold Back" 1984 Vital Signs Survivor
"High On You" 1985 Vital Signs Survivor
"The Search is Over" 1985 Vital Signs Survivor
"Burning Heart" 1985 Rocky IV Soundtrack,

When Seconds Count (by Rock Candy in 2009)

Survivor
"Is This Love" 1986 When Seconds Count Survivor
"Man Against The World" 1987 When Seconds Count,

Rocky IV Soundtrack (2006 reissue)

Survivor
"In Good Faith" 1987 When Seconds Count Survivor
"Didn't Know it Was Love" 1988 To Hot To Sleep Survivor
"Across the Miles" 1989 To Hot To Sleep Survivor
"Taste of Love" 1992 When Love Comes Down,

Baywatch,

Jerswy Girl Soundtrack

Jimi Jamison
"I'm Always Here" 1993 Baywatch Theme Song,

Empires

Jimi Jamison
"I Believe in You" 1995 A song for the Children Jimi Jamison
"Eye of the Tiger" 2004 Starbucks Commercial Survivor
"When Rock Was King" 2008 Crossroads Moment Jimi Jamison
"Can't Wait For Love" 2011 Kimball Jamison Jimi Jamison & Bobby Kimball
"Worth Fighting For" 2011 Kimball Jamison Jimi Jamison & Bobby Kimball
"Sail Away" 2011 Kimball Jamison Jimi Jamison & Bobby Kimball
"Long Time" 2011 History One Man's Trash Feat. Jimi Jamison & Fred Zahl
"Can't Find My Way Home" 2012 Tribute for Japan Jimi Jamison
"Never Too Late" 2012 Never Too Late Jimi Jamison
"Forever Ended Today" 2015 Red Blooded American Girl Gema Pearl Feat. Jimi Jamison

Soundtracks[edit]

  • 1984 The Karate Kid: (performer: "The Moment of Truth")
  • 1985 Rocky IV: (performer: "Burning Heart")
  • 1985 Rocky IV Soundtrack: (performer: "Man Against the World")
  • 1989 Lock Up: (performer: "Ever Since The World Began")
  • 1991–2001 Baywatch (TV Series) (lyrics – performer: "I'm Always Here")
  • Baywatch (TV Series) (lyrics – 2 episodes, 1991) (performer – 2 episodes, 1991) – Nightmare Bay: Part 2 (1991) (lyrics: "I'm Always Here") / (performer: "Rock Hard", "I'm Always Here") – Nightmare Bay: Part 1 (1991) (lyrics: "I'm Always Here") / (performer: "I'm Always Here", "Rock Hard")
  • Baywatch (TV Series) (performer – 1 episode, 1992) – "Lifeguards Can't Jump" (1992) (performer: "Taste of Love")
  • 1992 Jersey Girl: (performer: "Taste of Love")
  • 1998 Wrongfully Accused: (performer: "I'm Always Here")
  • 2001 Spy Game: (performer: "I'm Always Here")
  • 2001 Mrs. Death 3: (performer: "The Search Is Over")
  • Johnny Bravo (TV Series) (performer – 1 episode) – Get Shovelized/T Is for Trouble (2004) (performer: "You Gotta Be")
  • 2005 The 40 Year Old Virgin: (performer: "The Search is Over")
  • 2005 Kicking & Screaming: (performer: "Eye of the Tiger")
  • 2007 Psych (TV Series): (performer: "Burning Heart" – 1 episode)
  • Video on Trial (TV Series) (performer – 1 episode) – Totally Beachin' Video on Trial (2008) ... (performer: "I'm Always Here")
  • The Xtra Factor (TV Series) (lyrics – 1 episode, 2008) (performer – 1 episode, 2008) – Episode #5.9 (2008) (lyrics: "I'm Always Here") / (performer: "I'm Always Here")
  • 2009 Paul Blart: Mall Cop (performer: "I Can't Hold Back")
  • 2011 Formula 1: BBC Sport (TV Series) (performer – 1 episode) – The Malaysia Grand Prix: Qualifying (2011) (performer: "Burning Heart")
  • Britain's Got Talent (TV Series) (lyrics – 1 episode, 2011) (performer – 1 episode, 2011) – 2011: Auditions 1 (2011) (lyrics: "I'm Always Here") / (performer: "I'm Always Here")
  • 2012 Piranha 3DD: (performer: "I'm Always Here")
  • 2012 Hansi Hinterseer – Traumhaftes Seenland im Salzkammergut (TV Movie) (performer: "I'm Always Here")
  • 2013 Grand Theft Auto V (Video Game) (performer: "Burning Heart")
  • 2014 The Goldbergs (TV Series) (performer – 1 episode) – You Opened the Door (2014) (performer: "The Search Is Over")
  • Mike and Mike in the Morning (TV Series) (lyrics – 1 episode, 2014) (performer – 1 episode, 2014) – Episode September 2, 2014 (lyrics: "I'm Always Here") / (performer: "I'm Always Here")
  • Tosh.0 (TV Series) (performer – 1 episode, 2016) (writer – 1 episode, 2016) – Climate Change Comedian (2016) (performer: "I'll Be Ready") / (writer: "I'll Be Ready")
  • 2017 Pasapalabra (TV Series) (performer – 1 episode) – Episode #2.4 (2017) (performer: "Burning Heart")
  • 2017 Baywatch (Movie) (performer: "I'm Always Here") / (writer: "I'm Always Here" – as Jimmy Jamison)
  • The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (TV Series) (lyrics – 1 episode) – Dwayne Johnson/Ellie Kemper/Charlie Puth (2017) (lyrics: "I'm Always Here")
  • 2018 And They're Off... for Sport Relief (TV Series) (performer – 1 episode) – Episodio #1.1 (2018) (performer: "Burning Heart")
  • Die Magie des Eises: Linzer Eiszauber 2018 (TV Movie) (performer: "I'll Be Ready")
  • Coast Lives (TV Series documentary) (lyrics – 1 episode, 2018) (performer – 1 episode, 2018) – Episode #1.1 (2018) (lyrics: "I'm Always Here") / (performer: "I'm Always Here")
  • Piers Morgan's Life Stories (TV Series) (lyrics – 1 episode, 2018) (performer – 1 episode, 2018) – Pamela Anderson (2018) (lyrics: "I'm Always Here") / (performer: "I'm Always Here")
  • Good Morning Britain (TV Series) (performer – 4 episodes, 2017–2018) (lyrics – 3 episodes, 2017–2018) (writer – 1 episode, 2017) – Episode April 17, 2018 (lyrics: "I'm Always Here") / (performer: "I'm Always Here") – Episode May 19, 2017 (lyrics: "I'm Always Here") / (performer: "I'm Always Here") – Episode May 16, 2017 (performer: "I'm Always Here") / (writer: "I'm Always Here") – Episode May 15, 2017 (lyrics: "I'm Always Here") / (performer: "I'm Always Here")
  • Britain's Got More Talent (TV Series) (lyrics – 1 episode, 2018) (performer – 1 episode, 2018) – Episode #12.12 (2018) (lyrics: "I'm Always Here") / (performer: "I'm Always Here")
  • Wedding Day Winners (TV Series) (performer – 1 episode) – Episode #1.5 (2018) (performer: "I'm Always Here")

References[edit]

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External links[edit]