Jimmy Barnes was born on April 28, 1956, in Glasgow, Scotland, under the original name James Dixon Swan. His father, a featherweight boxing champion, had a significant influence on Jimmy's life. In 1961 or 1962, his family relocated to Australia, where he developed a passion for music.
At the age of 16, Jimmy joined the band Fraternity, replacing Bon Scott, who later became the lead vocalist of AC/DC. After a stint with Fraternity, Jimmy joined Cold Chisel in 1973, playing in pubs across Adelaide and eventually, Australia. The band secured a record contract in 1976 and went on to become one of the most iconic Australian bands, known for their energetic live performances and hits like "Flame Trees" and "Saturday Night."
After Cold Chisel disbanded in 1983, Jimmy embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album "Bodyswerve" in 1984, which topped the Australian album charts. The album featured hit singles "No Second Prize" and "Daylight." In 1985, Jimmy released his American debut "For the Working Class Man," which was mixed for an American audience and featured the hit single "Working Class Man." Although the album was a commercial success in Australia, it failed to make a significant impact in the United States.
Jimmy's personal life underwent a significant transformation during this period. He married Jane Mahoney, who he credits with saving his life, and became a responsible family man, leaving his wild rockstar days behind. He went on to record several successful albums, including "Two Fires" and "Soul Deep," which featured his favorite soul classics.
In the 1990s, Jimmy continued to release successful albums, including "Heat" and "Flesh and Wood," which featured collaborations with renowned artists like Joe Cocker and Tommy Emmanuel. His last studio album, "Psyclone," was released in 1995 and included the hit single "Come Undone."
Jimmy Barnes is widely regarded as an Australian folk hero, known for his powerful voice, energetic live performances, and dedication to his craft. Despite his success, he has remained humble and true to his working-class roots. Throughout his career, Jimmy has been recognized for his contributions to Australian music, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.
