Legendary 1960s session musician Big Jim Sullivan dies (From The Argus)

Legendary 1960s session musician Big Jim Sullivan dies

1:23pm Monday 8th October 2012 in News

Legendary session guitarist Big Jim Sullivan has died.

Mr Sullivan, who featured on records from stars including Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey and Dusty Springfield, was reputed to have played on more than 1,000 record tracks including 55 number one singles.

Born James Tomkins in Uxbridge, West London, he started playing the guitar at 14 and turned professional within two years.

He eventually became one of the most sought-after musicians of the 1960s and 1970s.

His professional credits included What’s New Pussycat by Tom Jones, Petula Clark’s Downtown and Shirley Bassey’s Goldfinger.

He was a member of Tom Jones’ touring band between 1969 and 1974 and went on to become part of the James Last Orchestra.

His other notable work included Make It Easy On Yourself by the Walker Brothers, Space Oddity by David Bowie, Ferry Cross the Mersey by Gerry and the Pacemakers and Sunshine Superman by Donovan.

His widow Norma said that he died peacefully at his home in Billingshurst on Tuesday. He had been suffering from heart disease and diabetes.