Musician, legendary session man. Known for being the lead guitarist to playing a Gibson Les Paul in England. Born James George Tomkins, Big Jim at the age 16 was already a professional musician, and was soon considered one of the most sought guitarists in 60s and 70s. He was arranger of nearly 1000 songs in the Top 10 British rankings, including 55 classified first. Among the many songs that he played, are worthy of mention "Sweet little sixteen" by Michael Cox, "Krewkats of the Bat", the "James Bond theme" by John Barry, "Twist and Shout" and "Do You Love Me" by Brian Poole & The Tremeloes, "Je t'aime ... moi non plus" by Gainsbourg and Wonderwall Music by George Harrison. He was one of the first guitarists in the world to use the wah, the fuzz and the talkbox. After playing with various bands, and to have taught to play the guitar to musicians including Ritchie Blackmore, in 1969 he played with Tom Jones' band. In the late 70s, Jim Sullivan became part of the James Last Orchestra for nine years. During the 80s, he formed the Big Jim Sullivan Band with Duncan McKenzie, Malcolm Mortimore, Pete Shaw, and has composed several musical arrangements for films. He also recorded several albums, including "Sitar Beat" in which shows his mastery in playing this exotic instrument, "Sullivan Plays O'Sullivan" and "Back Big Jim". He died after a long cardiac illness and for complications because of diabetes.
Musician, legendary session man. Known for being the lead guitarist to playing a Gibson Les Paul in England. Born James George Tomkins, Big Jim at the age 16 was already a professional musician, and was soon considered one of the most sought guitarists in 60s and 70s. He was arranger of nearly 1000 songs in the Top 10 British rankings, including 55 classified first. Among the many songs that he played, are worthy of mention "Sweet little sixteen" by Michael Cox, "Krewkats of the Bat", the "James Bond theme" by John Barry, "Twist and Shout" and "Do You Love Me" by Brian Poole & The Tremeloes, "Je t'aime ... moi non plus" by Gainsbourg and Wonderwall Music by George Harrison. He was one of the first guitarists in the world to use the wah, the fuzz and the talkbox. After playing with various bands, and to have taught to play the guitar to musicians including Ritchie Blackmore, in 1969 he played with Tom Jones' band. In the late 70s, Jim Sullivan became part of the James Last Orchestra for nine years. During the 80s, he formed the Big Jim Sullivan Band with Duncan McKenzie, Malcolm Mortimore, Pete Shaw, and has composed several musical arrangements for films. He also recorded several albums, including "Sitar Beat" in which shows his mastery in playing this exotic instrument, "Sullivan Plays O'Sullivan" and "Back Big Jim". He died after a long cardiac illness and for complications because of diabetes.
Bio by: Lucy & Chris
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