No Rock And Roll Fun

DOUGHBIT: Another 70s legend has died, with the news that cancer has claimed the life of James 'Jimmy' Griffin, founding member of Bread.

Born in Memphis, Griffin relocated to Hollywood in the 60s, where he was to meet David Gates and Robb Royer, forming Bread towards the end half of the decade. He was with the band for five years before quitting in 1973; a reunion with them in 1976 quickly descended into bitterness and lawsuits. Griffin's guitar and harmonising vocals is prominent on all the Bread hits, including Make It With You, Baby I'm-a Want You and Everything I Own, many of which have enjoyed a fine afterlife on Gold format stations well into the 21st century.

In 1970, Griffin won an Oscar as co-writer of For All We Know on the Lovers and Other Strangers soundtrack; it was a hit for the Carpenters. He also wrote for Conway Twitty (Who's Gonna Know) and Restless Heart (You Can Depend On Me).

He never quit music - forming Black Tie with Randy Meisner in Meisiner's post-Eagles period, and having made his home in Nashville was popular on the live scene in the 90s with his band The Remingtons.

Griffin, who was 61, is survived by his wife Marti , his daughter and a son.