Jimmy Bain

Early Life

James Stewart Bain was born on December 19, 1947, in Newtonmore, Badenoch and Strathspey, Highland, Scotland. He began his musical journey in his teenage years, playing in various provincial amateur bands. His family later moved to Vancouver, Canada, where Bain briefly joined them while continuing to perform professionally with a band called Street Noise. After returning to Scotland, he formed a band named Harlot in early 1974, turning down an opportunity to join The Babys to pursue his passion for music.

Career

Bain's career took a significant turn when he was invited to join the iconic rock band Rainbow after Ritchie Blackmore spotted him performing at The Marquee in London. He contributed to the band's acclaimed studio album "Rising" and participated in their subsequent world tour, which included performances on their first live album, "On Stage." However, in January 1977, Bain was dismissed from Rainbow and subsequently toured Europe with John Cale of Velvet Underground fame.

In 1978, Bain formed the band Wild Horses, where he took on the roles of lead vocalist, songwriter, and bassist. The band released two albums, "Wild Horses" (1980) and "Stand Your Ground" (1981), featuring notable musicians like Brian Robertson and Clive Edwards. After several lineup changes and collaborations with artists such as Phil Lynott, Gary Moore, and Kate Bush, Bain continued to leave his mark on the hard rock genre until his passing in 2016.

Personal Life

Bain's personal life saw him marry Lady Sophia Crichton-Stuart in 1979, with whom he had a daughter, Samantha Ella Bain, born in 1981. The song "Samantha" by Phil Lynott and John Sykes was inspired by her. The couple divorced in 1988, shortly before Bain's departure from the band Dio, marking a significant transition in both his personal and professional life.