In the massive panorama of rock music, filled with vivid tales and voices that have etched their marks across the hearts of millions, lies a story less told. This narrative centers around James “Jimmy” Dewar, a name that, despite its relative obscurity, represents one of the most extraordinary talents the rock world has ever witnessed. The true Voice of Rock was him. Warm, rich, sonorous, resonant, and profoundly soulful are some of the adjectives used to characterize a guy whose voice was regarded as the peak of rock vocal performance. James Dewar is still, for some reason, the best rock vocalist you’ve probably never heard of.
A Voice Unlike Any Other
Drawing breath with what can only be described as a remarkable gift, Dewar’s voice was a rare gem in the rough. The unique blend of warmth, depth, and a soul-stirring vibrato placed him in a league of his own, unmatched and unparalleled. The closest comparison, perhaps, might be Paul Rodgers; yet, Dewar’s vocal range, texture, and the profound emotional vibrato he wielded set him apart as an unmatched icon in the realm of rock music.
The journey of this Scottish son began unassumingly in the early ’60s with his start in the Glasgow band The Gleneagles, and saw him weave through the tapestry of the music scene as part of Lulu And The Luvvers. His musical odyssey took a significant turn when he played bass and lent his voice alongside Maggie Bell in the critically acclaimed British blues band Stone The Crows—a group discovered and renamed by none other than Led Zeppelin’s manager, Peter Grant, in the late ’60s to early ’70s. Dewar’s solo project, Stumbledown Romancer, further encapsulated his undeniable talent and distinct vocal prowess.
The Pinnacle of Collaboration and Legacy: Dewar with Robin Trower
However, it was his collaboration with guitarist Robin Trower in the ’70s that truly spotlighted the depth and breadth of Dewar’s extraordinary vocal talents. Serving as both vocalist and bassist, Dewar’s performances on seminal albums such as Twice Removed From Yesterday, Bridge of Sighs, and For Earth Below are revered. The tracks “Daydream”, “Rock Me Baby”, “Day Of The Eagle”, “About To Begin”, “Lady Love”, “Alethea”, and “For Earth Below” stand as towering achievements in rock history. These songs, with Dewar’s voice at the helm, have the power to evoke an existential thrill—the kind that leaves a listener’s spine tingling and hairs standing in awe.
However, the world of music suffered a tremendous loss with Dewar’s passing from pneumonia in May 2002, at the age of 59. His death marked another tragic reduction of the world’s pool of incredible natural talent, reminiscent of the losses of Jimi Hendrix, Paul Kossoff, Janis Joplin, and many others. Despite his physical absence, the essence of Dewar’s voice, that rich and deeply soulful sound, continues to live on.
James Dewar’s Lasting Impact on Music
As musicians and fans, there’s often an emphasis on the instrumental prowess, the showmanship, and the spectacle of performances. Yet, the true essence of a remarkable singer lies in their capacity to touch the soul, to express the inexpressible, and to leave an indelible mark on the listener’s heart. James Dewar’s voice did precisely that. Among a sea of voices, his was a lighthouse, guiding those who truly listened towards the shores of deep emotional connection and musical enlightenment.
While James Dewar’s name might not frequently grace the lists heralding the “Greatest Singers Ever,” his legacy resonates powerfully among those who had the privilege to hear his voice. For many, Jimmy Dewar wasn’t just a vocalist; he was the embodiment of pure, unadulterated rock spirit—his voice a beacon of warmth, depth, and soul that continues to echo through the annals of rock history.