A Scottish guitarist and songwriter who played with Paul McCartney's Wings and was a member of the British rock band Thunderclap Newman, known for his work on the hit song "Something in the Air".
Jimi McCulloch is best known for his stint as the lead guitarist and bassist for Paul McCartney's band Wings from 1974 to 1977. During this period, he toured extensively with the band and contributed to some of their most iconic albums, including Venus and Mars and Wings at the Speed of Sound.
Born on June 4, 1953, in Dumbarton, Scotland, McCulloch grew up in a musical family and was inspired by Django Reinhardt from a young age. He began playing the guitar at 11 and made his performance debut as a member of the Jaygars, a Scottish psychedelic band.
In 1967, McCulloch's band, One in a Million, released their debut single, "Fredereek Hernando"/"Double Sight," on MGM records. The single has since become a highly sought-after collector's item and a classic of the UK psychedelic scene. That same year, he played lead guitar for the Utterly Incredible, Too Long Ago to Remember, Sometimes Shouting at People during the legendary 14 Hour Technicolour Dream event at Alexandra Palace in London.
In 1969, McCulloch joined Thunderclap Newman, a band created and produced by Pete Townshend of The Who. He played on their hit single "Something in the Air," which reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in 1970. In 1974, he was recruited by Paul McCartney to join Wings, with whom he toured extensively and recorded several albums.
McCulloch was a sought-after session musician and played guitar on numerous albums, including John Entwistle's Whistle Rymes (1972) and Roger Daltrey's One of the Boys (1977). He also collaborated with other notable artists, including Peter Frampton and Stone the Crows.
McCulloch was known for his laid-back and humble personality, earning him the nickname "Jimmy Mac." He was a close friend of the Who and was heavily influenced by their music. Tragically, McCulloch died on September 25, 1979, at the age of 26, due to a heroin overdose.
McCulloch once said, "I just play what I feel, and if people like it, that's great." (Source: Guitar Player magazine, 1975)
McCulloch's unique playing style and contributions to Wings have inspired generations of musicians. His work with Thunderclap Newman and Wings continues to be celebrated by fans of classic rock and psychedelic music.
84 Years Old
Legendary musician and songwriter behind iconic bands and solo hits, shaping the course of popular music with enduring classics like "Yesterday" and "Hey Jude".
86 Years Old
Legendary musician and peace activist who co-founded the Beatles, one of the most influential and successful bands in the history of popular music.
83 Years Old
Lead guitarist of the Beatles, successful solo artist, and innovative film producer, known for his iconic songs and philanthropic efforts.
86 Years Old
A legendary musician and entertainer, best known for being the drummer for the iconic rock band The Beatles, and later a successful solo artist and actor.
82 Years Old
Lead vocalist of The Who, known for powerful voice and iconic performances in rock operas like "Tommy" and "Quadrophenia".
81 Years Old
Legendary guitarist and songwriter behind iconic rock band The Who, penning anthems like "My Generation" and "Won't Get Fooled Again".
81 Years Old
A highly influential blues and rock musician, known for his mastery of the electric guitar and hits like "Layla" and "Wonderful Tonight".
82 Years Old
Legendary guitarist and songwriter behind iconic rock band Led Zeppelin, credited with creating some of the most enduring and influential music in rock history.
