Jimmy Isle

about

Jimmy Isle and his brother Ronnie grew up in Nashville. They wrote many songs together : Jimmy has 39 entries in the BMI database (almost all of them co-written with his brother) and Ronnie 69. As a singer, Jimmy first appeared on the scene in 1957, with "Stay By My Side"/ "Baby-O" on the Chicago-based Bally label. The next year he recorded what is probably his best rocker, "Goin' Wild" for Morris Levy's Roulette label (4065). Written by Ronnie Isle, "Goin' Wild" featured a group called The Southlanders on vocal backup, as well as some excellent work from the lead guitarist. A few months later, Ronnie Isle came up with an interesting rocking instrumental, "Wicked"/"Bad Sunburn" on MGM 12682, credited to Ron Isle and the Blisters. At some point in 1958, Jimmy recorded "Diamond Ring" and "I've Been Waitin'" at a demo studio, Fidelity Recording, in Nashville. Fidelity was owned by Gary Walker, a songwriter from Springfield, Missouri. Walker leased these masters to Sun Records in October 1958, and Sun picked up Isle's contract. The most obvious selling feature of "Diamond Ring" (Sun 306) and Isle's other releases was a rhythmic hook. After being signed to Sun, Jimmy was brought to Memphis to record one session (produced by Jack Clement) from which two singles were drawn. The backing was supplied by Billy Riley (guitar), Pat O'Neill (bass), Tommy Ross (drums), Charlie Rich (piano) and Martin Willis (sax). "Without A Love"/"Time Will Tell" (Sun 318) was released in March 1959 and,

top songs

albums

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100 Rare '50s Rockabilly Tracks

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Jimmy Isle's Only Time Will Tell

Legendary Swing, Boogie And Rockabilly (Digitally Remastered)

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Roulette Rock 'n' Roll Collection

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The London American Label Year By Year: 1959

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100 Greatest Rock'n' Roll Hits, Vol. 1

I've Been Waitin' / Diamond Ring

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Roulette Rock 'n Roll Collection

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Time Will Tell / Without a Love

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What a Life / Together

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Sun Records_2.3

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That'll Flat Git It, Vol. 24