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Academy 2 (Main Debating Hall)
24th January 1967

Jimmy James was a singer from Jamaica who cut his teeth recording with influential reggae producers such a Coxsone Dodd and Clancy Eccles.

The Vagabonds were originally formed in 1960. James teamed up with them under Canadian band manager Roger Smith and in April 1964, they relocated to the UK. 'Ska-Time' (Decca Records) was recorded as Jamaica's Own Vagabonds within two weeks of their arrival, and is one of the first examples of Jamaican ska music to be recorded in the UK.

By the late sixties the Vagabonds sound was more soul-orientated. They played Manchester Northern Soul club The Twisted Wheel in 1967 and scored a big hit with Neil Diamond's 'Red Red Wine' in 1968.

Taken from the Manchester Independent Newspaper, written and edited by University of Manchester students. With thanks to James Peters at the University of Manchester Archives and Ben Ward at The University of Manchester Students' Union.