Onnie McIntyre onstage with The Average White Band
The 1970s introduced the world to a new and wonderful band that crossed boundaries of both race and musical genre. Few who experienced this era can honestly say that they were not moved by the brilliance of the Average White Band. Timeless songs, infectious grooves, magnificent vocals and top notch musicianship comprised this band both then and now making it anything but "average". Founding member and Glaswegian, Owen McIntyre (better known as "Onnie") was a fan and contemporary of Jimmy's and I am very pleased to tell you that he has offered the comments below in Jimmy's memory. CK
Hello Carl,
I knew Jimmy early on from the Picasso Club Glasgow (a late night musicians gig) and ran into him at various times in London, and New York. I was a big fan and first saw him with Lulu And The Lovers around 1964. "Shout" became a huge hit for Lulu and of course she went solo. Jimmy then joined "Sock 'em JB", the house band at Glasgow Soul club "The Howf", a steady gig where local musicians could join in or just hang. Much to everyone's amazement Jimmy possessed this incredible soul voice and quickly became lead singer, sharing vocals with Maggie Bell, Frankie Miller or whoever else was on their way to London. Jimmy of course was soon on his way also and joined Maggie in "Stone The Crows" as bass player and vocalist.
His stint with Robin Trower is well documented and on record Jimmy's vocals speak for themselves.
"It's a wee world" as my dad used to say, and I've had people in the most remote places come up to me after an AWB gig and ask about Jimmy. It seems that Scotland has produced more than it's fair share of soulful singers, and Jimmy was one of the best!
Good luck with the site.
Onnie McIntyre.
Average White Band
*I recommend that anyone who loves great music visit the Official Average White Band website and look for upcoming CD releases and tours to a town near you. You will be glad you did! Carl