- Active: '90s
- Genres: Rock
Biography
Bassist, singer, and songwriter Jimi B. first began his recording career as a member of the '60s and '70s rock group Abraham's Children. It was Jimi B., using the name Jim Bertucci, who wrote one of the bigger hits, "Goodbye Farewell," for the group. He also went on to form and work with bands like Angel, Space Patrol, and even solo on the A&M Records label.Jimi B. was born in Calabria, Italy, but spent most of his childhood in Toronto, Canada. His real name is Vincenzo Donato Bertucci. He grew up with a love of music that was probably first fueled by an uncle, and then by being an audience member at a Beatles concert when Jimi B. was only 13. He knew then that he wanted to be a musician. When his parents managed to buy him a Hofner Beatle Bass, there was no going back.
Still in his teens, Jimi B. teamed up with a friend, guitarist Ron Bartley, to form a band called Just Us. Soon percussionist Brian Cotterill and keyboardist Bob McPherson were added to fill out the lineup. After a couple of name changes and a record deal, Just Us became known as Abraham's Children. As a member of the group, Jimi B. recorded a long list of singles during the first half of the '70s and toured through much of the United States and Canada.
In 1982, Jimi B. went solo with the singles "Wickless Dynamite" and "All American Boy." He also finished one self-titled album that year. His backing band during this time was called the Police -- not to be confused with the other group by the same name that was from London, England. Members were Bartley and guitarist and keyboardist Laurie Del Grand and drummer Dan Smith.
After the early '80s, Jimi B. kind of faded from public view. Some of the tracks fans can sample from his recording career include "Hot Love," "Gypsy," "Winning Side," "Boogie All Night Long," "Take Care of Business," and "We Can Fly." ~ Charlotte Dillon, All Music Guide
