Jimi Jamison, Survivor Lead Singer, Dead at 63

Jamison’s voice can be heard on hits including “Rocky” franchise songs “Eye of the Tiger” and “Burning Heart,” as well as the “Baywatch” theme song

Jimi Jamison, the lead singer of the rock band Survivor, died Sunday after suffering a heart attack in his Memphis, Tenn. home. He was 63.

“The entire Survivor family is very shocked and saddened by the passing of our brother Jimi Jamison,” the band said in a statement on Facebook. “Our thoughts, love and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

The singer was touring with the group, and had performed with the band at a concert in Morgan Hill, Calif. on Saturday.

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Jamison launched his career as the lead singer of heavy metal band Cobra before joining Survivor — a band best known for “Rocky III” theme song “Eye of the Tiger” — in 1984.

“Vital Signs,” the band’s first album with Jamison on board, was certified platinum, and included hits  “I Can’t Hold Back,” “High on You,” and “The Search Is Over.”

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Jamison’s second album with the band, “When Seconds Count,” spawned top ten hit “Is This Love?”

Although he wasn’t with the band to sing “Eye of the Tiger,” Jamison did supply his vocals for “Burning Heart,” a 1985 hit single from the “Rocky IV” soundtrack, as well as “The Karate Kid.”

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Jamison, also credited with co-writing memorable “Baywatch” theme song “I’m Always Here,” left Survivor after 1988 album “Too Hot To Sleep.”

He reunited with the band in 2000, and continued to front Survivor through 2006 release “Reach.” After a 5 year absence, Jamison began touring with the group again in 2011.

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