Jimmy is one of the great, undiscovered talents of the Mersey scene. A singer songwriter Merseyside can be proud of and an artist to compare with singer songwriters such as James Taylor.

Jimmy joined a group called the Tuxedos in the late 1950s and in 1961 they changed their name to the Panthers. During 1963 they were appearing regularly at the Cavern and compere Bob Wooler suggested they change their name to the Kirbys, which was the area of Liverpool they came from. The group decided to turn professional in 1964 and at one time were managed by Brian Epstein's former secretary, Beryl Adams. The group had their first single, 'It's A Crime' c/w 'I've Never Been So Much In Love' (RCA (E) 11 66), penned by Jimmy, issued in Finland in 1966, a country in which they had a large following. During the same year they provided backing for the Merseys (the duo of Tony Crane and Billy Kinsley, former members of the Merseybeats). During 1968 they changed their name to the 23rd Turn Off.

Jimmy penned 'Michelangelo c/w 'Leave Me Here I Want To Stay Forever' as the group's single, which was issued on Deram. Following its lack of success Jimmy left the music business for six months, then returned to record an album for Fontana, 'Son Of Anastasia' (Fontana STL 5508), which was issued in 1969. The tracks were: 'When I Sit Down To Reason'/ 'Mother's Boy'/ 'Another Vincent Van Gogh'/ 'Penny In My Pocket'/ 'Bright Side Of The Hill'/ 'Dear Marge'/Lyanna'/ 'They All Came Marching Home'/ 'On A Monday'/ 'Lovely Elisa Cope Is Dead'/ 'You'll Break My Heart In Two'/ 'Tremendous Commercial Potential'/ 'Adrian Henri's Party Night'/ 'Another Springtime's Passed Me By'/ 'Michelangelo'/ 'Painting A Song'. A single 'On A Monday' c/w 'Dear Marge' (Fontana TF 1009) was also released that year. Two further singles, 'Lyanna' c/w 'Frankie Joe' (Fontana TF 1076) and 'Don't Leave Me Now' c/w 'So Lonely Without You' (Fontana 6007 025) were issued the following year.

In 1970 Jimmy teamed up with Billy Kinsley and Tony Crane of the Merseybeats, Pete Clarke of the Escorts and Joey Molland of Badfinger to record 'Half Baked' (Vertigo 6360 010), which was released the same year and also became Jimmy's only American release. The tracks were: 'Green Eyed American Actress'/ 'Loving You Is All I Do'/ 'So Lonely Without You'/ 'In My Room'/ 'That's Right That's Me'/ 'I Will Not Mind'/ 'Dulcie (It's December)'/ 'Forever Grateful'/ 'Half Baked'/ 'Closing Down The Shop'/ 'Don't Leave Me Now'.

In 1971 Jimmy formed a group called Rockin' Horse, who released an album, 'Yes It Is' (Philips 6308 075 E). The tracks were: 'Biggest Gossip In Town'/ 'Oh Carol'/ 'I'm So Sad'/ 'You're Spending All My Money'/ 'Baby Walk Out With Your Darling Man'/ 'Don't You Ever Think I Cry'/ 'Yes It Is'/ 'Stayed Out Late Last Night'/ 'Delicate Situation'/ 'Son Son'/ 'Golden Opportunity'/ 'I'm Trying To Forget You'/ 'Julian The Hooligan'. Two Rockin' Horse singles were issued that year, 'Biggest Gossip In Town' c/w 'You Say' (Philips 6006 156 E), the A side of which was penned by Billy Kinsley and 'Stayed Out Late Last Night' c/w 'Julian The Hooligan' (Philips 6006 200 E).

Jimmy's fourth album 'Jimmy Campbell's Album' (Philips 6308 100) was issued in 1972. The tracks were: 'By The Light Of A Lamp'/ 'Salvation Army Citadel'/ 'Snow Covered Street'/ 'Paris, You're In Paris'/ 'Darling Sweetheart'/ 'April Morning'/ 'Something In The Wind'/ 'Maudie'/ 'Baby Walk Out With Your Darling Man'/ 'It's Just Like A Girl'/ 'It Never Rains But It Pours'/ 'When You're Coming Home.'

His track 'Lonely Norman' was included on the Vertigo compilation 'Heads Together, First Round.' 'Jimmy Campbell's Album' was to be his final release.

Jimmy still lives in Liverpool with his wife Yvonne and daughter and continues to write songs.

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