Jim Capaldi
b. 24 August 1944, Evesham, Worcestershire, England. The son of a music teacher, Capaldi studied piano and sang from an early age but it was drums that ultimately attracted his attention. Following his membership of the Hellions (with Dave Mason) and Deep Feeling (with Chris Wood), he befriended Steve Winwood, who was still with the Spencer Davis Group. Traffic was formally launched in 1967, and during its turbulent stop-go eight year history, became one of the leading progressive bands. Capaldi made his name during this time as the perfect lyricist for Winwood's innovative musical ideas. During Winwood's enforced absence through peritonitis in 1972, Capaldi released a solo album, OH HOW WE DANCED. Its respectable showing in the US charts enabled him to continue to record albums at regular intervals. SHORT CUT DRAW BLOOD in 1974 proved to be his finest work, containing two hit singles: Its All Up To You and a lively version of Boudleaux Bryant's Love Hurts. He toured with his band the Space Cadets in 1976 to average response. He eventually moved to Brazil, effectively ending his lucrative songwriting partnership with Steve Winwood. Often known as Gentleman Jim Capaldi, he has an affectionate rather than important place in musical history. He returned in 1989 with the album SOME CAME RUNNING and contributed to Winwood's multi-million selling ROLL WITH IT the same year. In 1990 he again collaborated with Winwood on the album REFUGEES OF THE HEART and co-wrote the US hit One And Only Man.