The legendary saxophonist Jim Horn entered the world in Los Angeles, California, where he spent his formative years under constant sunshine. His first experiences before an audience came at junior-high dances, and while still a teenager enrolled in school he began securing nightclub bookings by sitting in with any ensemble willing to accommodate him. At a moment when Elvis dominated the charts, Horn instead drew inspiration from Clifford Scott and Hank Crawford, an influence audible in the saxophone approach he developed during those early years.
Horn’s ascent began in the early 1960s through his association with guitarist Duane Eddy, each successive engagement opening the door to the next opportunity. Before long, award-winning artists were specifically requesting his participation and granting him featured solo sections on selected tracks.
Although listeners may believe they have seldom encountered Jim Horn’s playing, his saxophone has appeared both live and on hit recordings by an extensive roster that includes Air Supply, Paul McCartney, Fifth Dimension, Garth Brooks, the Beach Boys, John Lennon, Diana Ross, the Carpenters, Rita Coolidge, Frank Sinatra, the Mamas and the Papas, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Ronnie Milsap, U2, Vince Gill, Wynonna, Barbra Streisand, Christopher Cross, Tina Turner, the Rolling Stones, and many additional performers whose names could fill several more pages.
In 1972 Shelter Records issued his debut solo album, Through the Eyes of a Horn, followed by another release simply titled Jim’s Horn. He later recorded Neon Nights and Work It Out for Warner Brothers. Two tribute projects also appeared under his name: Jim Horn: A Beatle Tribute and A Tribute to John Denver. For 1999 Rhythm Records released two further albums, Christmas With Jim Horn and The HIT List, the latter containing the memorable tracks “Ride Like the Wind,” “Good Vibrations,” “Delta Lady,” and “Summer Breeze.”
