Lead singer of Survivor dies

JIMI JAMISON, the former lead singer of the 80’s group Survivor has died of a heart attack at the age of 63. Jamison died at his home in Memphis on Sunday night, his booking agent Sally Irwin confirmed.

Jamison was born and raised in Memphis.  During his early career, he sang background vocals for ZZ Top, Joe Walsh and George Thorogood, until he was asked to join Survivor back in 1984, after their first major hit ‘The eye of the Tiger’ had charted at No.1. He took over from David Bickler who had developed polyps on his vocal cords. 

Throughout the 80’s, Jamison continued as lead vocalist, fronting their classic songs such as ‘I Can’t Hold Back,’‘The Search Is Over,’‘Is This Love’ and ‘Burning Heart’ from Rocky IV.He also recorded three albums with Survivor until the band disbanded in 1989.

Turning down an offer to join Deep Purple in the late 80’s, he continued with his solo career, singing and co-writing the theme song to Baywatch ‘I’m Always Here.’ Throughout the last decade, he released solo albums and continued to tour with Survivor after they reunited.

His most recent record is 2012′s ‘Never Too Late.’