James C. Johnson

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Died aged 76 on September 26, 2019.
Not to be confused with pianist & singer/songwriter J.C. Johnson.
Jim began his musical career in 1962 as one of the original founders of The Underbeats. In 1969, the band evolved into Gypsy and developed a new sound, featuring all original songs. Following the Gypsy era, he stayed in Los Angeles working as a songwriter and a record producer. A 1977 Universal movie called "Slap Shot" included a song in the soundtrack, “Money Side of Town”, written and performed by Jim. Around 1980, Jim got together with Stanley Kipper (drums, percussion and vocals) and Brad Palmer (bass guitar and vocals) and put a new band together, The Steamers. The Steamers played live and recorded songs for Universal up through 1984/1985. A song written by Jim, “Too Hard to Love You”, was recorded by Ray Charles (with Jim playing guitar) and was included on Ray Charles 1988 Columbia album, "Just Between Us." In 1993, Jim returned to Minnesota and played with a new version of The Underbeats and also played with Gypsy for various reunion concerts. Jim returned to his R&B roots, playing and recording as Calvin James.