Survivor Singer Jimi Jamison Died Of Stroke And Drugs According To Autopsy
November 11, 2014
An autopsy report shows that Jimi Jamison, the lead singer on Survivor hits such as “Burning Heart” and “Is This Love”, died of a stroke with methamphetamine intoxication, reports the Associated Press.
The report released Tuesday by the Shelby County medical examiner says the 63-year-old Jamison died September 1st at a home in Memphis. The autopsy says Jamison had cardiovascular disease and narrowing of the arteries. It had been believed that Jamison died of a heart attack. The report says he died of a hemorrhagic brain stroke, with “acute methamphetamine intoxication contributing.”
Jamison joined Survivor in 1983, after they had already become known for “Eye of the Tiger”, the theme song to the Sylvester Stallone film Rocky III. Jamison replaced vocalist Dave Bickler. Survivor’s first album with Jamison, 1984’s ‘Vital Signs’, achieved multi-platinum status with a string of hit singles that kept Survivor on the charts for over 40 weeks in 1984 and ’85. It was their established AOR airplay and Billboard Top 20 hits; “I Can’t Hold Back”, “High On You” and “The Search Is Over” which reached #2 on the hot 100, that kept Survivor at the top of the record and concert business. Jamison, who also was a member of Target and Cobra, also co-wrote and sang “I’m Always Here”, the theme to Baywatch.
“We are saddened and heartbroken to announce the passing of a great musician, loving father and grandfather, and overall extraordinary, giving, and kindhearted human being,” read a statement on the musician’s Facebook page at the time of his death. “He’s loved by so many, most of all his family, and he will be incredibly missed by all. Please keep his family in your prayers, and please give them the privacy they need during this extremely difficult time. Thank you all for your condolences and kind words.”
“The entire Survivor family is very shocked and saddened by the passing of our brother Jimi Jamison. Our thoughts, love and prayers go out to his family and friends,” said the remaining members of Survivor.
Several musicians shared their condolences on Jamison’s passing. Loverboy frontman Mike Reno says, “This one is especially hard for me as he was a brother to me and I loved him dearly. I am in shock right now as I’m sure many who knew Jimi are. We will miss his huge heart and beautiful smile, not to mention his awesome voice and great song writing talent. I’m gonna miss you buddy. We are all gonna miss you.”
“A brilliant singer and a beautiful soul. We’ll miss you Jimi. God Speed,” says Kip Winger. “I’m without words right now, every time I saw Jimi, he seemed healthier, stronger and singing better than ever,” continued Jeff Scott Soto. Robin McAuley of MSG fame added, “My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family and to my Survivor family that I worked with for a number of years. To all the Survivor fans, my thoughts and prayers are with you also as Jimmy was one of the greatest and much loved by you. His amazing voice will live on in those unforgettable songs that I had the honor of performing. May God in Heaven rest his dearly departed soul.”
“A sad day in Memphis music, our great friend and fellow Memphis musician Jimi Jamison has passed,” said the members of Tora Tora. “He was a great man and he will be missed dearly by friends and family. It was an honor and a privilege for Jimi to take time to work in the studio with us. A lot of the magical background vocals on many Tora Tora tracks were Anthony (Corder) and Jimi harmonizing together. He was the only man in town who could harmonize with Ant. His talent will never be surpassed.”
Courtesy of www.sleazeroxx.com
