Richard Devlin
Richie (as his friends refer to him), came to know Jimmy through his work with Big George and The Business. Over this period of time Richie developed a respect and fondness for Jimmy and he shares my sentiment that the late Mr. Dewar was both a man and a talent who deserves a lasting tribute.
Look for Richie's efforts to be fruitful and ongoing which will help to keep this site as fresh and complete as possible. Thanks RD! CK
Hi Carl.
My names Richard Devlin. I worked with George when he was playing with Jimmy, and although it was ages ago I still look back on those days with fondness. I'm so glad someone has decided to devote a site (or anything!) to Jimmy as he's one of the most underrated singers ever.
Let me know what you think.
Richie
Hi Carl,
The band that Jimmy and George were working on was called Adults Only. As well as them the band featured (from memory)Tony McLennan on drums, Andy Craig on keyboards and I seem to remember there was talk of getting another bass player in called Jimmy Johnstone. I did use to have some tapes but they are long gone
I'm afraid, one was stolen along with my cassette recorder at a gig. I don't know what upset me more, the machine or the tape inside it! Photos are a similar story I'm afraid.
What I may be able to get to you is a recording that George and Jimmy made in George's apartment in the 80's. It's just one song and is showing its age a bit having been recorded on a cassette tape, but Jimmy's voice still shines through. I think I should check with George before I send it to you, but it should be OK.
Once again, if you find anyone over here that would be willing to speak about Jimmy let me know and I'll see what I can do about recording etc.
Oh..just remembered! One of Jimmy's first jobs was as a guitar player for a Glasgow singer called Lulu. He was in her band for a while before she became mega successful (lord knows why!), but if you want to start at the beginning then that might be a good one.
Good to hear from you, I'd love to help your project as much as I can so keep in touch.
Richie
Hi Carl,
As for young Jim, I only ever heard him sing once. It wasn't at a gig, I remember that much, and he did Randy Newman's "Rider in The Rain". I only worked with him briefly as a fellow roadie, but I remember him being a really nice guy. When I think about the Jim Snr and Jnr, I often think of Tim and Jeff Buckley.
Catch ya soon...
Richie
Hey Carl,
I've just ordered a CD that features Jimmy..a bizarre concept album called Flash Fearless versus the Zorg Women!
I remember buying it on vinyl many moons ago specifically for that one track with him. I remember asking him about it and he admitted being rather well oiled at the time...which I think was the case for most of the other guest artists :-)
Haven't heard it properly for years..
Have you heard back from many other people?
Richie
Hey Carl,
I've just remembered another guy who used to work with Jimmy...
His name is Alan Wheeler and from memory he worked with Jimmy just after he and George parted musically.
I'll try and track down, there's only a couple of outdated music websites with his details, as he might have a copy of another track that Jimmy recorded before his illness.
Here's hoping eh?
Cheers
Richie
Hey Carl,
I managed to contact Alan Wheeler, who worked with Jimmy for a while, and although he doesn't have a copy of that other track I mentioned he said that he will drop you a line as he has some fond memories of working with Jimmy.
You may also hear from Afghanistan! I know a guy called John McPhie who is working there as a journalist, he used to work at Radio Clyde here in Glasgow as a sound engineer and IT man and met Jimmy on a few occasions.
Hope all is well over the pond :-)
Richie