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Slim Jim PhantomLegendary drummer of the rockabilly band "Stray Cats".
Date of Birth: 20.03.1961
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Slim Jim Phantom
- Drumming Journey and Career Highlights
- Contribution to Music and Recent Projects
Biography of Slim Jim Phantom
Early Life and Musical BeginningsSlim Jim Phantom, born as James McDonnell on March 20, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York City, USA, is a legendary drummer of the rockabilly band "Stray Cats." Together with bandmates Lee Rocker and Brian Setzer, he led the neo-rockabilly movement in the early 1980s. Growing up in Massapequa, Slim Jim was exposed to his parents' jazz records, which sparked his interest in music. At the age of 10, he decided to pursue drumming as his passion, stating, "Honestly, I think the drums chose me. I can't remember ever wanting to do anything else."
Drumming Journey and Career Highlights
Immersing himself in the art of drumming and the world of music, Slim Jim began taking lessons from Mousey Alexander, where he learned jazz and developed his skills through books by renowned authors such as Jim Chapin and Ted Reed. In the late 1970s, Slim Jim played in a band with his school friends and bassist Lee Rocker. Soon, the group gained even more power when guitarist Brian Setzer joined them.
During the hiatus of the "Stray Cats," Slim Jim played in several successful bands, notably "Phantom, Rocker and Slick," where he worked alongside guitarist Earl Slick. "Phantom, Rocker and Slick" released two popular albums, and Slim Jim also briefly enjoyed collaborations with Jerry Lee Lewis and "The Swing Cats," featuring the outstanding guitarist Danny B. Harvey.
Contribution to Music and Recent Projects
Slim Jim often performed with "The Stray Cats," using only a snare drum and hi-hat cymbal on stage instead of a full drum kit. His last known involvement was with three main projects; his own rock trio, "Dead Men Walking," with Kirk Brandon, Mike Peters, and Captain Sensible, and "The Head Cat" with the main members Lemmy and Danny B. Harvey.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Slim Jim made appearances in the German documentary film "Lemmy" in 2002, served as a musical guest on the program "Saturday Night Live," and appeared in Clint Eastwood's acclaimed biopic "Bird" about jazz legend Charlie Parker. He also appeared in the musical "Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme" and was featured in the 2008 documentary "Everest Rocks" by Alex Colletti.
Slim Jim was married to actress Britt Ekland from 1984 to 1992, and they have a son named Jay-Ti, born in 1988.
