Jimmie Spheeris
| Jimmie Spheeris | |
|---|---|
Jimmie Spheeris, c.1972
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | James Spheeris |
| Born | November 5, 1949 |
| Origin | Phenix City, Alabama, United States |
| Died | July 4, 1984 (aged 34) |
| Genres | Jazz, rock, jazz-rock fusion, folk rock, new wave |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, bandleader |
| Instruments | Guitar, piano, keyboards |
| Years active | 1971–1984 |
| Labels | Columbia Records, Epic Records |
Jimmie Spheeris (November 5, 1949 – July 4, 1984) was an American singer-songwriter who released four albums in the 1970s on the Columbia Records and Epic Records labels. He was of Greek descent. He was brother of film director and producer Penelope Spheeris, and cousin of musician Chris Spheeris and film director Costa Gavras.
Jimmie (James) Spheeris was born in Phenix City, Alabama, to Juanita 'Gypsy' and Andrew Spheeris, who owned and operated a traveling carnival called the Majick Empire. These childhood years of colorful transience were a major influence on later work, as evidenced in songs such as "Lost in the Midway" and "Decatur Street," among others.
Spheeris had two sisters, Penelope and Linda, and a brother, Andy. After his father was murdered by a "belligerent carnival-goer," Gypsy Spheeris moved the family to San Diego, California. The family eventually settled in Venice, California. Gypsy Spheeris tended bar at an establishment on Main Street called The Circle.
Spheeris moved to New York City in the late 1960s to pursue and develop his songwriting career. The liner notes on his debut album credit friend and fellow songwriter Richie Havens, who introduced Spheeris to Columbia Records executive Clive Davis. Davis signed Spheeris to a four album recording contract and his debut album was released on the Columbia label.
Spheeris' 1971 debut album, Isle of View, garnered a devoted following and FM radio airplay, most notably for the song "I am the Mercury." His 1973 album, The Original Tap Dancing Kid, was followed by a period of extensive concert touring. Spheeris returned to the recording studio in 1975 with The Dragon is Dancing and released Ports of the Heart in 1976. After Ports of the Heart, Spheeris had no recording contract. Except for a 1980 single, "Hold Tight," Spheeris released no new material through a major record label.
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