Jimi Jamison, best known for his vocals as the front man for the 1980s rock band Survivor, died Sunday of a heart attack at the age of 63. Jamison helped the band attain number one hits like ‘The Search is Over,’ ‘Burning Heart,’ ‘I Can’t Hold Back,’ ‘High On You,’ and ‘Is This Love.’ The band’s first number one hit, ‘Eye of the Tiger,’ was sung by front man Dave Bickler, who left Survivor for medical reasons shortly after they enjoyed their first number one hit.
Baywatch fans likely recognize Jimi Jamison’s voice as the one behind that show’s theme song, ‘I’m Always Here.’
Survivor shared word of Jamison’s passing on their official Facebook page on Monday.
Survivor guitarist Frankie Sullivan shared his feelings about the passing of Jimi Jamison just a few hours ago.
Sullivan also shared the following photo of himself with Jamison.
Jimi Jamison returned to Survivor in 2000 following the group’s disbandment back in 1989. They didn’t produce any notable hits but continued to play venues in various places around the country. On Saturday night, August 30th, Survivor played the Morgan Hill Downtown Amphitheather in Morgan Hill, California. That wound up being Jimi Jamison’s last concert. Survivor was scheduled to perform in Parker, Colorado on September 12th. It’s uncertain if they will perform without Jimi Jamison. ‘Eye of the Tiger‘ singer Dave Bickler rejoined the band several years ago as well, but it’s unknown at this point if he will assume Jamison’s front man role.
Condolences are no doubt going out to both Survivor and to the loved ones Jimi Jamison has left behind. He will long be remembered for making that amazing 1980s music with one of the most popular bands of that time.