Jimmy Dillon

JIMMY DILLON-An American Original We are lucky to have Jimmy Dillon among us in Marin. He's an electrifying performer, a wicked guitar slinger and a passionate, soulful singer who also happens to be an accomplished play wright, composer and educator with a rock and roll heart. Jimmy was born at an auspicious time (1951) for a rocker and grew up in LA and Michigan listening to Elvis, Chuck Berry, Ray Charles and such great Chicago bluesmen from across Lake Michigan as Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters and BB King. Jimmy formed his first band The Fugitives at age 15 and went on to master many styles from Blues to Bop, from Rock to Reggae and is also comfortable and accomplished at playing rockabilly,latin,funk and country music. He was a founding member of the Ska driven band The Edge- who rocked Marin in the 80's. He's a true journeyman, and in addition to releasing 5 CD's of mostly original music, he has backed the best..trading licks with Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen recording a duet with Blues legend John Lee Hooker and performing alongside Sting, Joe Cocker, Buddy Guy, BB King and many others. Jimmy was musical director and lead guitarist for the "Big Man" Clarence Clemons band The Red Bank Rockers and toured the US and Europe extensively with Clarence and his own group The Jimmy Dillon Band playing festivals and clubs. In 1999 he brought to fruition a dream project of his, a musical play which illustrates in song and dance the rise of the Blues from it's Mississippi Delta roots up through St Louis and finally to Chicago, and shows how both the Delta Blues and it's more polished urban cousin gave birth to Rock and Roll. Ascension of the Blues, a wonderful multimedia evening that includes Ozzie Ahlers as musical director and keyboardist, has played locally to rave reviews at 142 Throckmorton, Bimbo's and other venues in Michigan. Ascension led Jimmy to recently form The San Francisco Music Club, and exciting musical collaboration with longtime Edge partner Lorin Rowan. Jimmy's love of music and gift for teaching led him to found Blue Star Music Camps) where aspiring young musicians learn from professionals to interpret,perform and record in a supportive setting. Many well-known musicians have lent support to Blue Star including Bonnie Raitt, Bob Weir, U2, Dana Carvey, Robin Williams, Narada Michael Walden, Huey Lewis and the list goes on…many of Blue Star's students receive scholarships so that the program can reach those that might not otherwise be able to attend. Blue Star was voted Outstanding Youth Program by Bread and Roses. Jimmy's lovely wife Kelli is an accomplished dancer, artist and owner of Bella Sutra Skin Care in Mill Valley. Jimmy is a beloved member of the Marin community, a longtime resident of Mill Valley and a generous and soulful performer. He not only gives back to our community, he brings life and spirit to it. Visit www.JimmyDillon.com Jimmy Dillon has toured and recorded extensively, backing up some great artists like John Lee Hooker, Clarence Clemons, and Bruce Springsteen to name a few.