James Griffin

Biography

The late Jimmy Griffin was an influential member of the 70's soft-rock group, Bread. He was the other major songwriter and vocalist, often teaming up with Robb Royer for songwriting. Royer was one of the original members of Bread, forming the group along with Griffin and David Gates. Royer left the group after their third album but continued to write with Jimmy. Although Jimmy's songs were never chosen as singles, he wrote many memorable tracks, such as 'Dream Lady', 'Just Like Yesterday', an...

The late Jimmy Griffin was an influential member of the 70's soft-rock group, Bread. He was the other major songwriter and vocalist, often teaming up with Robb Royer for songwriting. Royer was one of the original members of Bread, forming the group along with Griffin and David Gates. Royer left the group after their third album but continued to write with Jimmy. Although Jimmy's songs were never chosen as singles, he wrote many memorable tracks, such as 'Dream Lady', 'Just Like Yesterday', and 'Look What You've Done', as well as contributing some of their more hard-edge sounds. He sang lead vocals on his own songs, along with adding his rich harmony to all of Bread's music; his voice lending a more soulful sound to Bread's softer image.

Jimmy also won an Academy award for writing the song 'For All We Know', under the pseudonym Arthur James. This became a major international hit for the Carpenters in the 1970's.

Bread reunited in 1976 for a last album - 'Lost Without Your Love' - which featured many exceptional Griffin songs, but the group dismantled again after touring.

After Bread split up, he produced a couple of solo albums, including 1977's 'Breakin' Up Is Easy', which featured some great songs, including the title song and 'She Knows'. He also collaborated with Terry Sylvester of the Hollies as 'Griffin & Sylvester', and formed 'Black Tie' with Randy Meisner of the Eagles.

In later life he returned to his country roots and joined The Remingtons, who had a degree of success in the U.S. He again became a member of Bread for their final reunion tour in 1996-1997, after which they parted ways.

James Griffin died in 2005.
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