Jim Seals, one half of legendary soft-rock duo Seals and Crofts, has died at the age of 80. No cause of death has been revealed as yet.
Seals and his musical partner Darrell “Dash” Crofts were responsible for a string of Top 40 hits throughout the 70s, rising as high as number six on the singles chart three times throughout the decade. Summer Breeze was a breakout hit for the duo in 1972, turning them into huge stars. It was followed closely by Diamond Girl in 1973 and Get Closer in 1976.
"Wow. Don’t even know where to begin. Jimmy Seals passed away today," John Ford Coley, who performed in the duo England Dan and John Ford Coley with Jim Seals' younger brother, shared on Facebook. "I spent a large portion of my musical life with this man. We toured together, he and Dash invited us to sing on Seals and Crofts records, and we played with him for years.”
"This is a hard one on so many levels as this is a musical era passing for me. And it will never pass this way again, as his song said. You and Dan finally get reunited again,” Coley added in reference to Jim’s late brother Danny “England Dan” Seals. “Tell him and your sweet momma hi for me.”
"Jim Seals was a gifted songwriter and musician whose songs are a cornerstone of the soundtrack to the 1970s," Kevin Gore, President of Global Catalog, Recorded Music for Warner Music Group, said in a statement. "Jim and Dash Crofts were the powerhouse duo Seals & Crofts, intertwining impeccable harmonies with a unique blend of folk, jazz, and country, creating a sound all their own. For over a decade with then Warner Bros. Records, Seals & Crofts delivered a string of Top 10 hit singles, none bigger or more enduring than 'Summer Breeze', a song that remains ubiquitous in music and pop culture to this day."
"The Warner Family is mourning Jim’s passing and send our condolences to his family, friends, and fans. Rest in Peace, Jim."
We’re Remembering Jim Seals with this mesmerizing performance of Summer Breeze live in 1972 on The Old Grey Whistle Test.
Seals & Crofts | ‘Summer Breeze’ [The Old Grey Whistle Test, 1972]
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