Jimmy Crawford
Jimmy Crawford, born Ronald James William Crawford Lindsay on November 18, 1937, in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England, was a prominent English pop singer known for his vocal talent. Educated at the Central Technical School in Sheffield, he initially worked as a draughtsman at Davy United. Crawford, who overcame a fear of water to become a competition swimmer during his National Service in the Army, found his passion in music and formed his first band, Ron Lindsay and the Coasters, performing in local clubs.
He achieved chart success as a solo artist after signing with Columbia Records. His debut single, "Love or Money," released in June 1961, reached No. 49 on the UK Singles Chart. However, it was his cover of "I Love How You Love Me," originally by The Paris Sisters, that became his most successful hit, peaking at No. 18 in the UK in November 1961 and staying on the charts for ten weeks. Despite subsequent singles like "I Shoulda Listened to Mama" not charting, Crawford remained a notable figure in the pop scene.
In 1962, Crawford appeared in the film "Play It Cool," alongside Billy Fury and Shane Fenton, performing the song "Take It Easy." Throughout the early 1960s, he formed various bands, including Jimmy Crawford and the Ravens and Jimmy Crawford and the Messengers, and later collaborated with Jim Ryder and The Chantelles. His backing bands evolved over time, known as The Jimmy Crawford Four and The Jimmy Crawford Blend.
Crawford's career included a six-month tour in Australia in 1977, showcasing his enduring appeal. He and his wife Maureen survived a serious traffic accident in 2005. Jimmy Crawford passed away on July 24, 2024, in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved figure in the English pop music scene.