An interview with 
                    Jimmy Dewar

October 12, 2001 
 
"A voice so sweet and clear"

 

   A lot of the fans of Robin Trower's music have been fans since his break from the confines of the heavily keyboard based band Procol Harum when he went solo in the early seventies. 
   Besides the powerful, expressive and at times haunting guitar work, there was something else unique about the sound that was being put together and presented to the masses.  You know the line from 'About To Begin' , " ... a voice so sweet and clear...", well that voice,  the voice of the Robin Trower band that helped to win over the thousands of fans in the beginning, belonged to James Dewar. 
 

 To give you some perspective of how much a part of the early Trower library was through the collaboration of Robin and Jimmy when it came to writing songs, here is a list of the writing credits from Robin's first seven solo releases ......

Twice removed From Yesterday: 7 of the 9 songs were credited to the team of Robin and Jimmy. Daydream, Hanna, Man Of The World, I Can't Stand It, Twice Removed From Yesterday, Sinners Song, and Ballerina.

Bridge Of Sighs: 2 of 8 songs. Fool And Me and Lady Love.

For Earth Below: 2 of 8 songs. Fine Day and Gonna Be More Suspicious.

Long Misty Days: 8 of 9 songs. Same Rain Falls, Long Misty Days, Hold Me, Caledonia, Pride, S.M.O., Messin The Blues and I Can't Live Without You.

In City Dreams: 8 of 9 songs. Somebody Calling, Sweet Wine Of Love, Bluebird, Falling Star, Smile, Little Girl, Love's Gonna Bring You Round and In City Dreams.

Caravan To Midnight: 8 of 9 songs. My Love, I'm Out To Get You, Lost In Love, Fool, It's For You, Birthday Boy, King Of The Dance and Sail On.

Victims Of The Fury: 1 of 10 , Roads To Freedom.

   During Victims, Robin started working with other writers and lyricists.. Keith Ried mainly and later, Dave Bronze among others. After Victims, Robin experimented with a new line up that included ex-Cream bassist /vocalist, Jack Bruce while Jimmy pursued other projects.  Even with that, Jimmy's name is also listed as co-writer of  'No Island Lost' (from B.L.T.). After two albums with Bruce, Jimmy, Robin and Bill Lordan worked together one last time with the release of :

Back It Up:  Jimmy co-wrote 3 of 9, River, Benny Dancer and Captain Midnight.

 

 Jimmy's voice and Robin's guitar seemed to go hand in hand, each making the most of the others talent... both playing off each other, or at times melding together to get the most out of the sound and the feel they were striving to achieve. 
    Jimmy was there at the start of an era, the legend, if you will, of the Robin Trower Band.  There is always something special about the freshness of the music at the start of any career. It was the combination of these two incredibly gifted young musicians that brought life to the early music and  helped captivate so many people. 
   Jimmy had a stroke back in 1987 that has left him needing constant care. What happened? I don't know for sure, you hear stories and read articles, but for this site and for this interview, it is not important.... it happened.  What is important is that I have been given the opportunity to talk a bit with Jimmy through a very good friend of his and so here we are.

   Jimmy was born in Glasgow on Oct. 12, 1942 and was educated at St. Gerards Senior Secondary School in Glasgow. 
   He started out playing in a band called the 'Gleneagles' in the early sixties and played with Lulu in 'Lulu and The Luvvers' in 1963.  From there he joined a band called 'Sock 'Em JB'  See a picture which included the legendary vocalist Frankie Miller.  In 1967 Jimmy then joined a band called 'Power' with Maggie Bell, who later shared the vocal duties in 'Stone The Crows' with Jimmy. 
Stone The Crows Site 
   Around the same time, Robin Trower was still trying to find that right combination of artists that would help inspire him to write and play to his potential.  At this point, Robin was in the band 'Jude' with Frankie Miller and ex-Jethro Tull drummer Clive Bunker. ( click here for a great picture)  This wasn't working for anyone and it was at this time that Frankie introduced Robin to Jimmy Dewar. The rest is history! 
   Sometime late in his tenure with Robin, Jimmy also recorded a solo album "Stumbledown Romancer".   Fortunately it was finally released in 1998 thanks to the efforts of Matthew Fisher and his sister Judith.  It is almost impossible to find a copy of this highly sought after CD. 
      How did this opportunity to find out how Jimmy was doing come about you may ask? 
   When I got back from summer holidays, I was greeted with an interesting email from a gentleman named Brian Denniston.  Brian lives in Glasgow and was telling me that he had seen my web site, read the section on Jimmy, and just wanted to tell me that he sees Jimmy often.  He wrote that while still under total care, Jimmy is able to communicate quite well when prompted to do so.  Obviously curiosity got the best of me, so I wrote Brian back and asked him if he thought Jimmy was capable of doing some kind of an interview with me.  Brian sent me his phone number and I called him to talk about what we could do. 
   While still unsure as to how this would go, we decided to have Brian go to the hospital and talk to Jimmy, explain to him what we were attempting to do, ask the questions I sent to him and go from there. 

   I did have a few initial questions for Brian to start......

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SS: Brian I'd like to start off by saying  thank you for all the time and energy you've given in helping me with this great opportunity to talk with Jimmy.

BD: Frankly, It's a privilege to have known and been associated with Jimmy .

SS: How long have you known Jimmy?

BD: Um, since about 1965/66, it was just after the Lulu thing, though I had  met John McGinnes (Stone The Crows keyboard player) prior to meeting Jimmy. Can't recall precisely when we met, but like Davey Pattison  it was at a place called "Burns Cottage" where  Jimmy was gigging  and musicians hung out.

SS: Can you tell us a little bit about the hospital that Jimmy is in?

BD: Well it's really a psychiatric type hospital.

SS: Do the people who care for Jimmy know about his background and if so, have they heard any of his work?

BD: Yes, some of them at least are aware of  his work, however perhaps until fairly recently not fully aware of the scale of success that he achieved, although I've advised them  accordingly.

Note: As we were setting this up and having posted the address of Jimmy's hospital, Brian mentioned that while the hospital is very security conscious for the protection of the people there, they recently became more aware of Jimmy as Brian said "Recently he (Jimmy) has received, and I have witnessed, a large amount of cards etc. from well wishers from all over the world, which I think may be causing a bit of a stir at the hospital!" 
-- way to go people!!!

SS: During our telephone conversations, you mentioned that Jimmy does get out on day trips with people from the hospital. He also requires assistance when walking., and that one of his arms shake. Is there anything else you can tell us from your observations.

BD: Well, It's obvious that he has suffered some kind of stroke which does hamper his movement and  naturally his reactions and  verbal responses are somewhat slower although he can communicate with you if you speak with him. 
Note: On completion of the interview Brian added in a note to me that "Jimmy is a man of few words, (Bill and Davey have also mentioned this to me) but I have written exactly what he said, except that on a few occasions I altered Scottish slang words to English for the benefit of anyone reading the article as Jimmy is after all a Glaswegian with quite a strong accent to which I'm sure Bill and Robin could attest.  I was with him for about two hours."

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 Note: Before you read this, please remember that Jimmy did have a stroke and anyone who has known or been in contact with people who have had this unfortunate affliction will tell you,  thoughts and communication don't come easily and while Jimmy's answers are short I had asked Brian to watch for facial expressions to the questions for us to get a better understanding of what Jimmy may have been thinking or feeling at that moment. 

SS: Jimmy it is such an incredible honour and pleasure to be able to talk with you, even if it's unfortunately not in person. I have listened to you sing almost every day over the past 25+ years, and your voice is directly connected with so many important times of my life. My wife Sue and I playing "Sweet Wine Of Love" at our wedding 22 years ago is but one of those moments. I tell you this because, like myself, there are thousands of people out there that are big fans of yours, who genuinely care about how you are doing. You are a big part of peoples lives and memories. 
Do you realize what an inspiration your voice has had on so many people?

JD:  (After a long pause) Kinda guessed that....

SS: How are you feeling these days, are some days better than others?

JD:  Up and down.... Up and down.

SS: How long have you been in this particular hospital?

BD: Jimmy thinks about six months, but it's more like six years, I'm not precisely sure myself to be honest.

SS: Do you know what happened to cause you to be here?

JD:   I've an idea ...

SS: Do you get out very much?  If so, what types of places do you go to?

JD:  Not  much. 
BD: You go out on the odd day trip though! 
JD : Aye!

SS: Do you like the people here who help you with your day to day tasks?

JD: Yes they're good to me.

SS: Where did  you grow up? Have you always lived in Scotland?

JD:  Kinning Park. 
 note: Kinning Park is an area on the south side of Glasgow.

SS: Do you come from a musical family?

JD:  No.

SS: Who were your early influences ?

JD: Ray Charles and .......  (pensive look) ... Brian... what's that guy's name again? 
BD:  God! Which one Jimmy??... Solomon Burke, Brooke Benton, Bobby Bland, Me?

JD: Aye... all of them (with a broad smile)!

SS: How old were you when you first realized that you could sing and that people enjoyed it?

JD: .... about 13.

SS: Did you take any music lessons or vocal training?

JD: No. 
 (Jimmy was self taught)

SS: Besides guitar, bass and a little piano, do (did) you play any other instruments?

JD: The mouth organ!!... (Laughs)

SS: Do you still sing a little  bit?

JD:  A wee bit.

SS: I know that you have a guitar in here with you, do you pick it up at all?

BD: He's got a bass here, but no guitar at the moment, but we'll rectify that!

SS: Do you listen to a lot of music and if so, who do you like to listen to?

JD: I've got a tape deck.... older stuff.

SS: Do you ever listen to your old recordings with Robin?

JD:  No record player. 
BD  : It's only LPs he's got of the bands material.

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Note: Since this interview, I have made copies of all the albums Jimmy played on and sent them to Brian to take to Jimmy. Brian mentioned he has the LP's in his room.... but no player. Twice Removed and For Earth Below were visible in a stack of records in his room. The reason I mention sending them here is to avoid having people sending tapes on their own.

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SS: Do you remember playing with Robin ?

JD: Oh aye!!

SS: Tell me about Robin Trower.

JD:  Aye a great player, great player.

Note: Brian had mentioned to me earlier that Jimmy is very fond of Robin and he uses the term "The best thing since sliced bread" when talking about Robin.

SS: Bill Lordan reminded me of a story he once told me... 

"Our tour bus pulled up to the concert hall and people were standing lined up around the building waiting to get in. Next to the hall was a hardware store where Jimmy and I went to get something he needed. When we passed through the crowd to get to the hardware store, no one recognized us and Jimmy said You see Big Yin. When you're on the stage you're a big rock star, but when you're on the street you're just another creep in the crowd." 
What would you like to say to Bill?

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JD: I'd like to see the Big Yin again!

Note: Bill has since been in touch with Jimmy in writing through Brian since we started talking.

SS: He also remembered that you really loved McDonalds hamburgers! Ha Ha.

JD: Aye a liked them! (Eyes light up with a knowing look).

SS: Bill told me you loved to watch the street performers when you were in New York and that was where the inspiration for the lyrics to the song  "King of the Dance" came from.

JD:  Aye the dancers and stuff, Liked them all. 
BD: He always used to sing  praises about the guitar work in Caledonia.

SS: Robin and you wrote many great songs together, what inspired you personally when you wrote?

JD:  Haven't a clue to be honest, just things at the time.

SS: Is there anything you would like to say to Robin?

JD: I'd go back tomorrow, aye a would.

SS: When you were performing, was there one song that you just loved to perform and couldn't  wait until it came up in the set?

JD: Don't think so.

SS: How about one that you never really enjoyed performing and why?

JD:  Sailing, never wanted to do that!

SS: I also happy to say I am friends with another very good friend of yours, a wee lad named Davey Pattison. When I first met Davey I did not know that you and he were friends. He told me this story... 

"James Dewar is the best white rock and roll singer I have ever heard in my life! He turned me on to a lot of great music in the early days. There was this little bar in Glasgow called "Burns Cottage" and I was just starting out playing there five nights a week with a bar band playing cover songs,  top forty kind of thing. On a Saturday afternoon though, they had a band that was drawing every good musician in town, bit of a jam session, this is where I met Jimmy (This would be around 1965 or so) who was playing bass and doing some of the singing. Frankie Miller was there, Maggie Bell was there the late Les Harvey (Both of whom later worked with Jimmy in Stone The Crows). We would all go back to Jimmy's house after the gig and we would listen to all this great music, Solomon Burke, Brooke Benton, Bobby Bland, the guitars would come out and we would be singing away, man we had so much fun. Everybody was broke, but I tell you, I look back on those days as some of the best of my life. I will always be grateful to Jimmy for all the help he offered me." 
What would you like to say to Davey?

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JD: Wee Davey sang with Trower as well eh! 
(Said in a way that was telling Brian that his good friend Davey also played with Robin which he was happy about.)

SS: I read an old article that said you used to make really nice suede and leather belts and hats for a few select people.

JD: Aye a did.

SS: Do you have any contact with people outside  those who come to visit ?

JD:  No.

SS: One of the most sought after recordings in my circle of musical friends is your solo album "Stumbledown Romancer" that you recorded many many years ago. What do you remember  about that album?

JD: Not much. 

BD : A look of uncertainty here. He remembers the album, but seems not to recollect anything specific.

( I offer a bit of  speculation on why Jimmy couldn't clearly remember Stumbledown. The songs were originally recorded in the early 80's and the project was  then shelved. It remained so until 1998 when the record company  finally released it almost twenty years later. )

Note: I also sent a copy of this recording  for Jimmy.

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SS: As I mentioned before, there are thousands of people out there who carry an interest in your condition. What would you like to say to these people?

JD: That's nice..

SS: Jimmy, I would just like to say again what a privilege it is to hear from you and to have the opportunity to tell you directly what a huge influence and impact you have made in my life, I cannot thank you enough! 
Please know that you are always in our hearts and prayers. God bless you.

JD: Aye  thanks.

BD: While we were sitting talking about old times, a story came to mind regarding an incident that took place about 1980/81 whilst Jimmy  myself and two other guy's were auditioning  a keyboard player at Jimmy's house in Paisley. During the song we were running through, the keyboard player played this dreadful part whilst Jimmy was singing, at the end of the song the guy said to Jimmy "Well what do you think of that then" with a nod of his head, seeking approval, 
Jimmy replied "Your left hand was great but could you stick your right hand up your arse!"  Naturally  there was considerable laughter at this poor guy's expense and needless to say he did not get the job!

SS : Thanks so much again Brian for all your help and for giving us all a bit of a glimpse into how Jimmy is doing. 

 ( Sadly, seven months after this, Jimmy passed away May 16, 2002... you will never be forgotten) 
                  

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

         

 I  recieved a number of  responses for posting the interview and I wanted to share them with the people who visit here.  To me, it is just another little glimpse into the fans who enjoy the music and carry a deep respect for the people who brought this 'special' music we enjoy.......Steve 

   

"Just finished reading the Dewar interview. I am speechless, and so grateful to have heard from this great guy. Although his words were few, this is a monumental milestone and so many of my unspoken questions about Jimmy and his condition were answered." 

"Thanks for this incredible glimpse inside the world of Jim Dewar. It really helps to better understand that Jimmy is living out his life, albeit with some physical challenges, and not some paralyzed state.  Until now, most of the information we had about Jimmy was that he had had a stroke." 

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"It seems somewhat ironic doesn't it, that kinda 20 years after the event that Jimmy should receive fan mail ". 

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" Dewar was quite simply the sweetest voice in Rock and Roll.  We all love him still. 

"With a tear in my eye I just wanted to say a big thank you." 

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"I am most moved by this interview. I feel really bad for Jimmy in his condition, but the fact that you were able to get as much from him as you did alleviates that feeling." 

"Thank you once again for pursuing this specific interview, especially in light of the circumstances." 

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"So good to read current comments from James!" 

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"Thanks a million for doing this and also the great timing! Happy birthday Jimmy!" 

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" I can't help but feel that it would be very uplifting to someone like Jimmy to know that there are so many people out there that truly care about him and how he is doing.  I know it made me feel better to read that he can communicate and he does get around, even on a limited basis.  I think about him daily and his condition saddens me, but just finding out that he is not a total vegetable (like I thought before getting the truth) lightens my heart.  I will continue to pray for him as I know everyone else will.    He is a living, breathing legend and always will be." 

" After first reading about Jimmy's condition in 1995, in the linear notes of the King Biscuit Trower disc,  I was surprised to say the least.  The facts about his condition were somewhat vague. Your interview brought some clarity about his situation.  The bottom line is.... Trower fans have not forgotten about Mr. Dewar.  His musical legacy inspires to this day." 

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" I rarely reply to things, content to be quietly reading on the site, but this really stirred me up." 

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". It most likely stimulated his mind and lifted his spirits and that's medicine you can't buy. The response you are getting is proof enough that people are interested and really care to know how he is doing. So you should feel good that you did a good thing for Jimmy and for his fans out there which are many." 

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"it is nice to know that he is alive and doing alright!" 

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" Thanks Steve for posting this interview. I believe it was done in good taste.  Every post regarding Jimmy is on the positive side and everybody is pulling for him. 

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" I thought the interview was carried out with dignity and respect. I was filled with joy to find out that he was as responsive as he was and could enjoy his memories to some extent." 

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"I am a trower power member and I praise Steves gallant effort to give those of us, who care a little bit deeper than just for the music,  the glory, or of being Robins friends. I feel that for a man who had a stroke, the way the interview was conducted and the amount of time, care and sensitivity that was put into it. It was not only tastefull, but it gave me a sense, even  if ,just for a moment, that I knew Jimmy and I could see him for who he is, not just for who he was. He still has a working mind inside him, he's a living, breathing human being that gave the world what most of the population dream of, and only a few have the luxury to taste.........." 

"   Just got back from your 'place' after reading your interview with Jimmy. Like Ray said, it brought a tear to my eye. It's a sad story, but life's full of sad stories, that doesn't mean we have to forget about him. Any true fan, I'm sure, has been concerned lately over Jimmy's health, but after reading this, while still saddened, I at least feel a bit more reassured that he's getting by alright, and getting the care he needs.I thought your interview was carried out with dignity and respect and an obvious love for the man, JAMES DEWAR . 

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"    I read and hung on to every word of that interview. Not soley for the just the content, but the feeling that I got from it. It took alot of love for a persons work to go through all that, just to bring a thirsty world up to speed." 

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" Like you, my heart is lightened considerably knowing that Jimmy isn't a comatose vegetable somewhere. Thanks to Steve for pursuing this interview." 

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" I felt that Jimmy, himself, didn't have a whole lot to say during the interview (due to his condition) but I thought you prefaced the interview with sufficient information for us fans to understand this. As I mentioned previously, I was deeply heartened to learn more about Jimmy's condition and that he is being cared for by family and friends. It was clear to me that Jimmy would love nothing more than for more friends and fans to reach out to him. That has been made possible now that you have published his mailing address and made an effort to reach out to Jimmy through this interview. 

    Jimmy has been living with this affliction for 14 years, and will probably have to continue living with it for the remainder of his life. That, in itself, is sad. But we are not here to wallow in sadness, but to celebrate the musical gift that James Dewar presented us primarily through his performances with Robin Trower. As you mentioned, Jimmy WAS the voice of Robin Trower for many years, both vocally and in songwriting. For those fans who choose to do so, it is important for them to be able to communicate that appreciation to Jimmy who so richly deserves it.

 
    I encourage you to continue to document the life and times of the creator(s) of this music that has so touched all of our lives over the years." 

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" something that really touched my life in a special way yesterday - the interview with Jimmy. 

Steve, thank you again, I'm behind your work as always, I very much appreciate you. The interview with Jimmy is simply a treasure and was very welcomed by myself and my wife. 

  I felt the interview was conducted with a great amount of respect and dignity and was probably a very much needed blessing for Jimmy. . His voice is a special part of so many of our lives. God bless you all, 

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Steve, 
Loved the Dewar Interview. Have been waiting for years to hear about Jimmy. I thought it was done very 
tastefully. I would love to help in anyway to get him the recognition he deserves. Just can't believe his voice, oh I'll forget about it for a while, then play an old Trower cut and it still moves me. I haven't really heard Robin speak much on his feelings about Jimmy. I mean just a little here & there but nothing to give any real insight on his feelings. Maybe I've missed it . But once again my hat is off to you. Some of the most interesting Rock & Roll History ever written. Good Job. Can you do more? 

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I am sure that you have enough quotes already on the page where you posted comments re the Dewar interview. Still I wanted to drop you a note to say how much it meant to me to know that James is alive and able to function to a substantial degree, still has some of his old personality and memories etc. I had read numerous other sites where different things were mentioned but in every case one was left without any knowledge of his current condition beyond that he usually lives in an institution. One could have easily concluded he was totally out of it. I'm very pleased to know he's still with us. We lose so many people who link us to the things we love; it is so good to know James is still here. Your article handled his situation completely in a classy and dignified way. 

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