Jimmy McShane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jimmy McShane
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McShane in 1987
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | James Harry McShane |
| Also known as | Ruby |
| Born | 23 May 1957 Derry, Northern Ireland |
| Died | 29 March 1995 (aged 37) Derry, Northern Ireland |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1982–1988 |
James Harry McShane (born May 23, 1957 – died March 29, 1995) was a singer from Northern Ireland. He was famous as the lead singer of the Italian band Baltimora. Their biggest hit song was "Tarzan Boy" in 1985. He was also a citizen of both Britain and Italy.
Early Life and Music
James Harry McShane was born in Derry, Northern Ireland, on May 23, 1957. He grew up in a family that had strong traditional values.
Jimmy started his music career as a stage dancer. He also sang backup for Dee D. Jackson and her band. They toured all over Europe. During a trip to Italy, he really liked the country's dance music scene. This made him want to move to Milan in 1984.
He once told Dick Clark on American Bandstand that he fell in love with Italy. He later learned to speak Italian very well. He even became an Italian citizen.
Forming Baltimora
Before moving to Italy, Jimmy tried playing in small clubs in Derry. He didn't have much success there. So, he worked as an emergency medical technician for the Red Cross.
Then, he met an Italian music producer named Maurizio Bassi. Together, they created the band Baltimora. The band quickly became successful. Their most popular song was "Tarzan Boy", which came out in 1985.
When "Tarzan Boy" became a hit in America, Jimmy was amazed by its success. Some people have wondered if Maurizio Bassi sang the main vocals for the song. They thought Jimmy only sang backup. However, Jimmy McShane is clearly the singer in the song's music video.
Later Life and Legacy
Jimmy McShane became very ill in 1994. A few months later, he left Milan. He wanted to spend his last days in his hometown of Derry. He passed away there on March 29, 1995, at the age of 37.
A family spokesperson said that he "faced his illness with courage." He is buried in Derry City Cemetery. His father, who died three years earlier, is buried next to him.
There is a special commemorative plaque in Derry to honor Jimmy. After Jimmy's death, Maurizio Bassi stopped making music. However, his sons, Emiliano and Matteo, later became musicians themselves.
Images for kids
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McShane in 1987
