Jim Ford
Encyclopedia
- This article refers to the American singer-songwriter. For the American Communist Party leader, see James W. FordJames W. FordJames W. "Jim" Ford was the Vice-Presidential candidate for the Communist Party USA in 1932, 1936, and 1940. A party organizer from New York City, Ford was the first African-American to appear on a presidential ticket in the 20th century....
or the Brevard Property Appraiser Jim Ford, see Brevard Property AppraiserBrevard Property AppraiserThe property appraiser's primary job is to prepare an annual tax roll which complies with Constitutional and specific State mandated standards in order for it to be approved each year by the Florida Department of Revenue...
.
Jim Ford (August 23, 1941 – November 18, 2007) was an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
originally from Johnson County, Kentucky
Johnson County, Kentucky
Johnson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It was formed in 1843. As of 2000, the population was 23,445. Its county seat is Paintsville...
. After living in New Orleans, Ford moved to Los Angeles, and finally settled in Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg (North Carolina)
Fort Bragg is a major United States Army installation, in Cumberland and Hoke counties, North Carolina, U.S., mostly in Fayetteville but also partly in the town of Spring Lake. It was also a census-designated place in the 2010 census and had a population of 39,457. The fort is named for Confederate...
, CA. His music is a mixture of soul
Soul music
Soul music is a music genre originating in the United States combining elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, soul is "music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of...
, country
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
and folk
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
. His songs have been recorded by numerous artists, including Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Louise Franklin is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Although known for her soul recordings and referred to as The Queen of Soul, Franklin is also adept at jazz, blues, R&B, gospel music, and rock. Rolling Stone magazine ranked her atop its list of The Greatest Singers of All...
, P.J. Proby, Bobby Womack
Bobby Womack
Robert Dwayne "Bobby" Womack is an American singer-songwriter and musician. An active recording artist since the early 1960s where he started his career as the lead singer of his family musical group The Valentinos and as Sam Cooke's backing guitarist, Womack's career has spanned more than 40...
, and The Temptations
The Temptations
The Temptations is an American vocal group having achieved fame as one of the most successful acts to record for Motown Records. The group's repertoire has included, at various times during its five-decade career, R&B, doo-wop, funk, disco, soul, and adult contemporary music.Formed in Detroit,...
. The UK singer Sylvia McNeill
Sylvia McNeill
Sylvia McNeill was born 5 August 1947 in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England.She began her career singing and playing bass guitar with various groups and bands. She went abroad for several years, touring American bases on the continent...
recorded "Ugly Man" in 1970, the only known version as Ford's could not be found in his archive's. Nick Lowe
Nick Lowe
Nicholas Drain "Nick" Lowe , is an English singer-songwriter, musician and producer.A pivotal figure in UK pub rock, punk rock and new wave, Lowe has recorded a string of well-reviewed solo albums. Along with vocals, Lowe plays guitar, bass guitar, piano and harmonica...
has cited Jim Ford as his biggest musical influence.
His most famous song is probably "Harry Hippie
Harry Hippie
"Harry Hippie" is a 1972 song written by Jim Ford, who wrote it for singer Bobby Womack as a dedication to his brother, bass guitarist Harry Womack, that became a top ten R&B hit for Womack when issued as a single in 1973 reaching number eight on the chart....
", a song recorded and released by Womack in 1973.
After beating a cocaine
Cocaine
Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. The name comes from "coca" in addition to the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic...
addiction in 2004, Ford found Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
and started recording again. He was a recluse at that time, but L-P Anderson of Sweden's Sonic Magazine managed to track him down in his California trailer home in April 2006.
Bear Family Records
Bear Family Records
Bear Family Records is a Germany-based independent record label that specializes in reissues of archival material ranging from country music to 1950s rock and roll to old German movie soundtracks.-History:...
re-released his Harlan County album, originally recorded in 1969, with 15 previously unreleased songs and a 40 page booklet as The Sounds of Our Time in early 2007. The success of The Sounds of Our Time made the idea of recording new material possible. At times there was talk of using Jim Dickinson
Jim Dickinson
James Luther "Jim" Dickinson was an American record producer, pianist, and singer who fronted, among others, the Memphis based band, Mudboy & The Neutrons.- Biography :...
as producer and James Burton
James Burton
James Burton is an American guitarist. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2001 , Burton has also been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame...
volunteered to play guitar. A charity gig for Jim was to take place in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, U.K. on May 18, 2008. Nick Lowe
Nick Lowe
Nicholas Drain "Nick" Lowe , is an English singer-songwriter, musician and producer.A pivotal figure in UK pub rock, punk rock and new wave, Lowe has recorded a string of well-reviewed solo albums. Along with vocals, Lowe plays guitar, bass guitar, piano and harmonica...
was supposed to perform together with Jim Ford in person. However, Jim Ford was found dead early in the evening of Sunday, November 18, 2007 in his trailer home by the Fort Bragg Sheriff’s department.
A few months after Ford's death, Bear Family released a compilation of previously unavailable Jim Ford recordings, Point of No Return.
Albums
- Harlan County (Sundown/White Whale Records JHS-1002), 1969
- Big Mouth USA : The Unissued Paramount Album (Bear Family RecordsBear Family RecordsBear Family Records is a Germany-based independent record label that specializes in reissues of archival material ranging from country music to 1950s rock and roll to old German movie soundtracks.-History:...
), 2009 - The Unissued Capitol Album (Bear Family RecordsBear Family RecordsBear Family Records is a Germany-based independent record label that specializes in reissues of archival material ranging from country music to 1950s rock and roll to old German movie soundtracks.-History:...
), 2009
Compilations
- The Sounds of Our Time : The Harlan County Album, Rare Singles and Previously Unreleased Masters (Bear Family RecordsBear Family RecordsBear Family Records is a Germany-based independent record label that specializes in reissues of archival material ranging from country music to 1950s rock and roll to old German movie soundtracks.-History:...
), 2007 - Point of No Return : Previously Unreleased Masters, a Lost 45 & Rare Demos (Bear Family RecordsBear Family RecordsBear Family Records is a Germany-based independent record label that specializes in reissues of archival material ranging from country music to 1950s rock and roll to old German movie soundtracks.-History:...
), 2008
Songs
- "36 Inches High" (Jim Ford) - recorded by Nick LoweNick LoweNicholas Drain "Nick" Lowe , is an English singer-songwriter, musician and producer.A pivotal figure in UK pub rock, punk rock and new wave, Lowe has recorded a string of well-reviewed solo albums. Along with vocals, Lowe plays guitar, bass guitar, piano and harmonica...
– Jesus of CoolJesus of CoolJesus of Cool is the 1978 solo debut album by British singer-songwriter Nick Lowe who left Brinsley Schwarz in 1974. Produced by Lowe, it was released in March 1978 by Radar Records in the UK... - "American Dream" (Jim Ford, Bobby WomackBobby WomackRobert Dwayne "Bobby" Womack is an American singer-songwriter and musician. An active recording artist since the early 1960s where he started his career as the lead singer of his family musical group The Valentinos and as Sam Cooke's backing guitarist, Womack's career has spanned more than 40...
) - recorded by Bobby WomackBobby WomackRobert Dwayne "Bobby" Womack is an American singer-songwriter and musician. An active recording artist since the early 1960s where he started his career as the lead singer of his family musical group The Valentinos and as Sam Cooke's backing guitarist, Womack's career has spanned more than 40...
– The Poet IIPoet IIPoet II is a 1984 album by Bobby Womack. The album featured the hit duets with fellow soul legend Patti LaBelle on the top three R&B charted ballad, "Love Has Finally Come at Last" and the more modest follow-up, "It Takes a Lot of Strength to Say Goodbye" and the top 75 UK dance hit, "Tell Me... - "Dr. Handy's Dandy Candy" (Jim Ford) - recorded by Jim Ford – Harlan County
- "Fountains of Love" (Jim Ford, Ronnie Wood) - recorded by Ronnie Wood – 1234
- "Harlan County" (Jim Ford) - recorded by Jim Ford – Harlan County
- "I`m Ahead If I Can Quit While I`m Behind" recorded by Bobby WomackBobby WomackRobert Dwayne "Bobby" Womack is an American singer-songwriter and musician. An active recording artist since the early 1960s where he started his career as the lead singer of his family musical group The Valentinos and as Sam Cooke's backing guitarist, Womack's career has spanned more than 40...
– B.W. Goes C.&W. - "Ju Ju Man" (Jim Ford, Lolly Vegas) recorded by Brinsley SchwarzBrinsley SchwarzBrinsley Schwarz were a 1970s English pub rock band, named after their guitarist Brinsley Schwarz. With Nick Lowe on bass and vocals, keyboardist Bob Andrews and drummer Billy Rankin, the band evolved from the 1960s pop band Kippington Lodge.-Formation:...
– Silver PistolSilver PistolSilver Pistol is a pub rock album by Brinsley Schwarz, released in 1972 . With songwriters Ian Gomm and Nick Lowe, Silver Pistol became an underground hit and launched the British pub rock trend of the mid-1970s... - "Ju Ju Man" (Jim Ford, Lolly Vegas) recorded by Dave EdmundsDave EdmundsDavid 'Dave' Edmunds is a Welsh singer, guitarist and record producer. Although he is primarily associated with Pub rock and New Wave, and had numerous hits in the 1970s and early 1980s, his natural leaning has always been towards 1950s style rock and roll.-Early bands:As a teenager Edmunds first...
- The Best of Dave Edmunds - "Love on My Brain" (Jim Ford) - recorded by Jim Ford – Harlan County
- "Niki Hoeke Speedway" (Jim Ford, Lolly Vegas, Pat Vegas) - recorded by Brinsley SchwarzBrinsley SchwarzBrinsley Schwarz were a 1970s English pub rock band, named after their guitarist Brinsley Schwarz. With Nick Lowe on bass and vocals, keyboardist Bob Andrews and drummer Billy Rankin, the band evolved from the 1960s pop band Kippington Lodge.-Formation:...
– Silver Pistol - "Niki Hoeky" (Jim Ford, Lolly Vegas, Pat Vegas) - recorded by P.J. Proby
- "Niki Hoeky" (Jim Ford, Lolly Vegas, Pat Vegas) - recorded by Aretha FranklinAretha FranklinAretha Louise Franklin is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Although known for her soul recordings and referred to as The Queen of Soul, Franklin is also adept at jazz, blues, R&B, gospel music, and rock. Rolling Stone magazine ranked her atop its list of The Greatest Singers of All...
– Lady SoulLady SoulLady Soul is an album by Aretha Franklin, released in 1968. The album was her second R&B chart-topper, the follow-up to "Aretha Arrives" and included some of her biggest hit singles, "Chain of Fools" , and A Natural Woman , and " Since You've Been Gone"... - "Niki Hoeky" (Jim Ford, Lolly Vegas, Pat Vegas) - recorded by The VenturesThe VenturesThe Ventures is an American instrumental rock band formed in 1958 in Tacoma, Washington. Founded by Don Wilson and Bob Bogle, the group in its various incarnations has had an enduring impact on the development of music worldwide. With over 100 million records sold, the group is the best-selling...
– Swamp Rock - "Outlaws" (Jim Ford, Ronnie Wood) - recorded by Bo DiddleyBo DiddleyEllas Otha Bates , known by his stage name Bo Diddley, was an American rhythm and blues vocalist, guitarist, songwriter , and inventor...
and Ronnie Wood – Live at the RitzLive at the RitzLive at the Ritz is a 1988 live album by The Gunslingers . It was a chart hit in Japan peaking at #40 and selling over 11,000 copies... - "Outlaws" (Jim Ford, Ronnie Wood) - recorded by Ronnie Wood – 1234
- "Secrets" (Jim Ford, Bobby Womack) - recorded by Bobby WomackBobby WomackRobert Dwayne "Bobby" Womack is an American singer-songwriter and musician. An active recording artist since the early 1960s where he started his career as the lead singer of his family musical group The Valentinos and as Sam Cooke's backing guitarist, Womack's career has spanned more than 40...
– The PoetThe PoetThe Poet is a title that has been used for:*The Poet , an album by Bobby Womack*The Poet , an essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson*The Poet , a 2007 motion picture*The Poet , a novel by Michael Connelly*The Poets, a band from Glasgow... - "She Never Told Me" (Jim Ford, Ronnie Wood) recorded by Ronnie Wood – 1234
- "So Many Sides of You" (Jim Ford, Bobby Womack) - recorded by Bobby WomackBobby WomackRobert Dwayne "Bobby" Womack is an American singer-songwriter and musician. An active recording artist since the early 1960s where he started his career as the lead singer of his family musical group The Valentinos and as Sam Cooke's backing guitarist, Womack's career has spanned more than 40...
– The Poet - "Surprise, Surprise" (Jim Ford, Bobby Womack) - recorded by Bobby WomackBobby WomackRobert Dwayne "Bobby" Womack is an American singer-songwriter and musician. An active recording artist since the early 1960s where he started his career as the lead singer of his family musical group The Valentinos and as Sam Cooke's backing guitarist, Womack's career has spanned more than 40...
– The Poet II - "Sweet Baby Mine" (Jim Ford, Bobby Womack) - recorded by Ronnie Wood – - Now LookNow LookNow Look is the second solo album of Ronnie Wood, with 6 weeks on the Billboard Top 200, it peaked at #118.-Track listing:All tracks composed by Ronnie Wood, except where indicated.# "I Got Lost When I Found You" - 4:26...
- "Tell Me Why" (Jim Ford, Bobby Womack) - recorded by Bobby WomackBobby WomackRobert Dwayne "Bobby" Womack is an American singer-songwriter and musician. An active recording artist since the early 1960s where he started his career as the lead singer of his family musical group The Valentinos and as Sam Cooke's backing guitarist, Womack's career has spanned more than 40...
– The Poet II - "Through the Eyes of a Child" (Jim Ford, Bobby Womack) - recorded by Bobby WomackBobby WomackRobert Dwayne "Bobby" Womack is an American singer-songwriter and musician. An active recording artist since the early 1960s where he started his career as the lead singer of his family musical group The Valentinos and as Sam Cooke's backing guitarist, Womack's career has spanned more than 40...
– The Poet II - "Tryin' to Get Over You" (Jim Ford, Bobby Womack) - recorded by Bobby WomackBobby WomackRobert Dwayne "Bobby" Womack is an American singer-songwriter and musician. An active recording artist since the early 1960s where he started his career as the lead singer of his family musical group The Valentinos and as Sam Cooke's backing guitarist, Womack's career has spanned more than 40...
– The Poet II - "Ugly Man" (Jim Ford) recorded by Sylvia McNeillSylvia McNeillSylvia McNeill was born 5 August 1947 in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England.She began her career singing and playing bass guitar with various groups and bands. She went abroad for several years, touring American bases on the continent...
– UK RCA 45 - "Under Construction" (Jim Ford) recorded by Jim Ford – Harlan County
- "Where Do We Go from Here" (Jim Ford, Bobby Womack) - recorded by Bobby WomackBobby WomackRobert Dwayne "Bobby" Womack is an American singer-songwriter and musician. An active recording artist since the early 1960s where he started his career as the lead singer of his family musical group The Valentinos and as Sam Cooke's backing guitarist, Womack's career has spanned more than 40...
– The Poet - "Who's Foolin' Who" (Jim Ford, Bobby Womack) - recorded by Bobby WomackBobby WomackRobert Dwayne "Bobby" Womack is an American singer-songwriter and musician. An active recording artist since the early 1960s where he started his career as the lead singer of his family musical group The Valentinos and as Sam Cooke's backing guitarist, Womack's career has spanned more than 40...
– The Poet II - "Working My Way To L.A." (Jim Ford, Lolly Vegas) - recorded by Jim Ford – - Harlan County
External links
- [ Allmusic entry]
- Jim Ford obituary at Bear Family Records