Jim Gillette
| Jim Gillette | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | James Gillette |
| Also known as | Jimmy Jill, Jim Gillette |
| Born | November 10, 1967 |
| Origin | Beatrice, Nebraska, USA |
| Genres |
Heavy Metal Glam metal Progressive metal Hard rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1986–Present |
| Labels | JLRG, RLS Rhino |
| Associated acts | Nitro, Tuff, Michael Angelo Batio, Lita Ford, Organ Donor, Slut |
James Gillette (born November 10, 1967) is an American singer, notable for being the frontman of glam metal band Nitro. Originally a member of the band Tuff, Gillette released a solo album in 1987 and then formed Nitro with guitarist Michael Angelo Batio.
Jim Gillette began singing as a teen, having been exposed to heavy metal through a local skating rink. His goal was to have a higher range than Rob Halford. He went through extensive opera training and developed his own method. Jim Gillette started his career in Phoenix, Arizona with a band called Slut. He sang on their demo tape entitled "Perversion for a Price". Jim heard about a band called Tuff that needed a singer, so he immediately auditioned and then joined the band. Tuff released two demos, "Knock Yourself Out", and "J'lamour Demo". It was during this time that he also dabbled at guitar, keyboard, harmonica, and various percussion instruments, though he never pursued them seriously, rather working on improving his singing.
Jim left Tuff to go to Hollywood. At a beach party, he met guitar virtuoso Michael Angelo Batio and they soon formed the band Nitro. Jim and Michael recorded Proud To Be Loud in 1987. Nitro's first live show led to their record deal with Rhino Records.
In 2001, Jim formed Organ Donor with Chris Campise, James Johnson, and Jesse Mendez. Their first album, The Ultra-Violent, which featured Jim Gillette on vocals with guest appearances by Lita Ford, who was his wife at the time, guitarist Michael Angelo, and David Ezrin. Following the release of The Ultra-Violent in 2001, Jim Gillette left the band. Chris Campise took over on vocals and the band recorded Better Off Dead in 2003. The band continues on as a three-piece.
In 2009, Jim appeared as a back-up vocalist and producer on Lita Ford's new album, Wicked Wonderland.
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