Tragically, James Dewar, best known as bassist and vocalist for Robin Trower and Stone The Crows, passed away on May 16, 2002. Dewar had been ill since a medical mishap in 1987. He was born on October 12, 1942.
James Dewar 1942-2002
Tragically, James Dewar, best known as bassist and vocalist for Robin Trower and Stone The Crows, passed away on May 16, 2002. Dewar had been ill since a medical mishap in 1987. He was born on October 12, 1942.
In many people's opinion, James Dewar was one of the best vocalists in rock and roll, and while there are many who are not familiar with his work, legions of fans maintain that Dewar's rich, powerful voice was among the best. His talents as a bass player were also exceptional. Most people who are reading this will be Robin Trower fans, but to those who haven't heard James sing and play, I urge you to listen to any of the many albums he has performed on. IMHO, Dewar's voice was very similar to "Paul Rodgers'", but had a beefy, soulful timbre that set him apart from others. Needless to say, he was vastly underated, but his legacy of music proves without a doubt that he was one of the greats.
Dewar passed away at Dykebar Hospital in the UK of pneumonia. I have had conflicting reports of the exact circumstances surrounding his death, and would appreciate details if anyone close to him would contact me. I have received confirmation that that he died with his good friends Brian Denniston and Davey Pattison (former Robin Trower vocalist) in the hospital waiting room. Regardless, I'm sure his friends, fans and loved ones are less concerned with any details than they are of the tragedy of James Dewar's career and life being tragically cut short. Still, in consideration of accuracy and respect, any information about his passing would be appreciated.
There's not much more I can say. I am a huge Jimmy Dewar fan, and feel as many other might--that James was unfairly robbed of his health, happiness and ultimately his life; and that his fans and friends were robbed of a dear person and an oustanding musician. Sadness is the only word which seems appropriate. Rest in peace, James (from we here on the 'Earth Below' to wherever you may live on in the 'Earth Above').
Below are comments and messages I've received from those who either knew James, or were affected by his passing. I'll be glad to post any comments his fans might offer. Again, you can contact me at suth@inforamp.net.
An Epitath To A Scottish Legend:
The man who many have called “The Pavarotti of rock ‘n’ roll” died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday 16th May 2002 after a long illness.
Strangely, Jimmy’s career was not to begin with his vocal talents, but as guitar player with Lulu and the Lovers in the early 60’s. From that point on, Jimmy’s career was to flourish beyond all his expectations. Maggie Bell took him on board with the legendary “Stone the Crows” and the shy man’s voice was soon exposed on classics like “The touch of your loving hand”. Another young singer had exploded onto the music scene, but the best was yet to come.
Living in London with his wife Martha and their young family, he was approached by Frankie Miller. The two Glasgow buddies were having a small refreshment when out of the blue Frankie told Jimmy that “there might be a job going” with some guitar player called Robin Trower, that the music industry insiders were raving about. “What kind of job?” asked Jimmy. Frankie laughed and said, “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe playing bass, maybe singing”. Jimmy applied and got both jobs.
The Robin Trower Band became the hottest thing on the planet and introduced “Stadium Rock” to the U.S.A. Frankie was right! The R.T.B. were the first band to sell tickets by the hundreds of thousands. Gold and Platinum albums were thrown at them like frizbees.
Amongst James Dewars biggest fans were Frankie Miller, Billy Connolly, Donny Hathaway, Rod Stewart, not forgetting Maggie Bell and Lulu herself.
The famous Scottish screenwriter, Peter McDougall, still talks of his first experience of meeting Jimmy. When having a drink with Frankie, Peter noticed that the man standing next to him was clothed in snakeskin trousers, cowboy boots and not much else. “Who’s that?” Peter asked. Frankie replied “That’s James Dewar”. Peter howled, “ Well, I want to be one of them!”
It says it all. Everyone from Metallica to the Stereophonics were influenced by the voice of the Scotsman. The man the music industry recognized as the voice from heaven has finally gone home. We will all miss you James.
“The little guy with the big voice”
'Beyond the Pale' [the best Procol Harum Web Site on the 'Net - ed.] put up a brief RIP last night when the news broke [of Dewar's death]. Many thanks for your fine tribute. Please see Beyond The Pale's tribute to James Dewar. Beyond The Pale will also be pleased to publish any other celebrations of Jimmy's life as they become available.
May I convey my great sorrow at reading in the Glasgow Daily Record Newspaper of the death of the greatest white soul singer of all time. He is beleived to have died listening to "Earth Below" and apeared to be playing along. my deepest sympathy to you as a fan and to his family. I had recently talked to some old Glasgow musicians about a benefit for James and now regret not being more dynamic about it. Respect and sympathy at this time.
The classiest singer Trower has ever had and the man in my opinion helped make the Robin Trower Band rock stars died on Thursday at 59. He had a stroke he wil be cremated on Wednesday
