From the moment he was born, blues played a big part in Jimmy Thomas’s life growing up in Osceola in Arkansas. Raised by his aunt and uncle, it was their family friend Albert King who nicknamed him ‘Popeye’ and would go on to influence him throughout his life and play a very important part in his career.

In this podcast, we talk about Jimmy's early roots and being such a focal point of Ike Turner's band The Rhythm Kings before moving to England and launching his own record label. He talks about his friendship with Albert King and working with Tina and Ike from their early days to Worldwide prominence. Later he became a big hit in his own right on the Northern Soul circuit.

Now with a new single out, The Weak End Is Mine, and a forthcoming album, 'Popeye' is truly doing what he loves best!

For more information about Jimmy's new music, visit his Facebook page HERE

Series 2: Episode: 30

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Tommy Hunt