December 4, 2007 - Jim Ford R.I.P.

Sunday, 07 February 2010 12:05

 

Early in the evening of Sunday, November 18th 2007 Jim Ford was found dead in his home by the Fort Bragg Sheriff’s department.

Some people may have never heard of Jim Ford, but his music is known by many. In 1969 Jim Ford blended the sounds of gritty R&B with down-home country on the now legendary album, ' Harlan County '. Its music occupies the land where R&B meets country, Memphis and Nashville meet Louisiana, and the Mississippi Delta meets Appalachia. Jim Ford had a tremendous impact on everyone who crossed his path.

His songs were covered by people like Aretha Franklin (Niky Hoeky) and Bobby Womack (Harry Hippie) and he wrote songs for Bobbie Gentry (Ode to Billie Joe), The Temptations (LP: Wings of Love) & Rose Stone (LP: Rose).

He also played on Sly’s masterpiece ‘There’s A Riot Goin’ On.’ Sly called him “the baddest white man on the planet”.

We have had the privilege to have spoken to him several times on the phone in the last few years. He talked about his time with Sly, but unfortunately it never came to an extended interview. May he rest in peace.

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