Photo: Kim Simmonds by Arnie Goodman
Kim Simmonds, co-founder of the legendary blues/rock band Savoy Brown has died at age 75. The news was confirmed by the band’s social media pages and stated that he “passed away peacefully in the evening of December 13th.”
The band’s social media pages also said, “Please note one of Kim’s last requests was to thank the fans of Savoy Brown—your support was, and shall always be, immensely appreciated.”
It is with sadness that we report that Kim Simmonds has passed. A delightful person and certainly a great talent, he had been battling stage 4 signet cell colon cancer. His website revealed a note to fans in August of 2022 about Simmonds’ inability to tour, medical condition and chemotherapy treatments which had caused peripheral neuropathy.
Kim Simmonds was one of the pioneers of the 1960s British Blues Boom. Considered one of the founding fathers of British Blues, guitarist, singer-songwriter and bandleader, Simmonds formed blues/rock band Savoy Brown in 1965. The group was one of the “big six” blues bands of the British Blues Boom in the UK, along with John Mayall, Fleetwood Mac, Jethro Tull, Chicken Shack and Ten Years After. Simmonds had been Savoy Brown’s guiding hand from their first singles released in 1966 through to their newest release, their 40th album, Ain’t Done Yet.
From London, Kim Simmonds was known as a legendary guitar player who founded and led Savoy Brown, one of the longest-running blues/rock bands in existence. He and the band headlined concerts at Carnegie Hall, the Fillmore East and West, and Royal Albert Hall, and their albums and singles hit many Top 40 Billboard Charts through the years, with Witchy Feelin’ (2017) reaching #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart.
In Hollywood’s Rock Walk of Fame, Simmonds was inducted into many regional “Halls of Fame” in the U.S. and Canada. Five decades of energetic blues has served this acclaimed musician well. Simmonds and the band were a blues/rock force with a body of work that is matched by few.
Kim Simmonds will be very much missed.
“Tell Mama”
One of my all-time favorite bands, I never got tired of listening to their albums. I saw them twice in Atlanta back in the day and they were great.
I sure learned a lot both on bass and guitar from those albums and still enjoy them. RIP bluesman
I have loved Kim and his many Savoy ensembles since my band learned “Poor Girl” and played it, “Tell Mamma”, “Casting My Spell On You” and “Time Does Tell” for decades. “Tell Mamma” is still very popular in our venues! Thank you, Kim Simmons! Job well done!
I loved Savoy Brown, I was very fortunate to see Kim Simmonds & Savoy Brown play out, nine times & got to meet & talk with him several times, he was always so kind & appreciative, & always enjoyed talking to the fans! It will be greatly missed – ‘Long Live Kim Simmonds & Savoy Brown!’
Jim
(a devoted fan!)
Great voice…Great Band…Great guitar…..
RIP….Kim…………
I’m tired of trying to be something I know ain’t me,
I’m tired of living up to what people expect me to be,
Some people are different ain’t that a cryin’ shame,
Wouldn’t it be a real drag if we were all the same. – Savoy Brown
“Tell Mama”. Another link to our youth gone. RIP Kim Simmonds.
Saw Kim and Savoy Brown in a small club in Iowa. Maybe 50 people, Kim played like he was in front on 50000. We have truly lost a legend. RIP
I loved the band and Chris Yuldon’s (SP) voice. “I’m Tired” was one of my faves.
Just found out. I loved to spend the night watching this truly great blues guitarist. Even flowers must die but my memories are special. Always took the time to talk to his fans.
Thanks