He is a keyboardist, producer and songwriter born James Destri in Brooklyn, New York.
In 1974/5 he became a member of the New Wave band Blondie that had been put together by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein and with them has seen success that has so far spanned over a three-decade period. Writing many of their songs including “Maria”, “11:59 ” and co-writing “Atomic” he rejoined them in 1997 after they had been disbanded for a 15 year period and still performs and records with them, although stopped touring in 2004. His sister, Donna, was a backing singer for Blondie’s single “Living in the Real World”.
In 1981 he began following his solo career and released the album Heart on a Wall and in the interim period when Blondie were apart, he ran his own business renovating and selling old buildings. Working as a producer he has worked on recordings by artists that include INXS and Prince.
Blondie recordings
Heart of Glass (Debbie Harry/Chris Stein )
11:59 (Jimmy Destri)
Here he is with his “Don’t Look Around”….
Sources:
- http://www.jimmydestri.com/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Destri
- http://www.myspace.com/jimmydestri
- https://www.discogs.com/artist/296255-Jimmy-Destri
- http://www.allmusic.com/artist/jimmy-destri-mn0000355022/credits