This coming Tuesday, October 21 is the birthday of an old friend … the Legendary … Jimmy Beaumont of the Skyliners! One of the greatest singers I have ever worked with, a good friend, a humble gentleman who loved to sing and play golf! This coming Sunday, October 19th, I will be honoring my old friend on my weekly radio show … on jukinoldies.com. I will be spinning many of the Skyliners tunes and some from his solo career. I will also focus on the Soul Sounds of da ‘Burgh and of course the many memories of growing up in Pittsburgh! Since the purpose of today’s blog is the memory of my old friend Jimmy B. Let’s journey back to my days with the Morning Zoo on 3WS radio. Jim Merkl asked me if I could get in touch with Jimmy Beamont to appear on the radio for his birthday. We had a birthday cake, and I cooked Jimmy’s favorite meal … stuffed Pork Chops! It was a true birthday, celebration of a true Pittsburgh Icon. Jimmy had that signature smile on his face the entire time as we reminisced about his career and origin. I lead the conversation since I have worked with Jimmy many times and interviewed him on several occasions. One of the fond memories was going up to Conneaut Lake Park the night before a big Oldies Concert that featured yours truly, Johnny Angel and the Halos, the Marcels, the Vogues and Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners. We went up the day before to play some golf and to meet afterward at the 19th Hole for a beverage. The owner of the club was an old friend who could not wait to meet some of his favorite oldies but goodies like, Fred Johnson of the Original Marcels and especially to meet Jimmy Beaumont. As I entered, he welcomed me and then asked if Jimmy was going to stop by. I kind of chuckled when he asked and I responded … “Look down the end of the bar! … see the guy sitting at the end with the baseball cap on? That’s Jimmy Beaumont!” Yep, Jimmy was already there, and the owner was like a little Leager meeting Babe Ruth! Jimmy got up with that great smile and shook hands with the owner and made small talk like they had been friends for a long time. You see, Jimmy was not just an iconic rock and roller, but a humble guy from Pittsburgh, a steel town regular. I don’t know if Jimmy ever knew just how big of a star, he was … he appeared on television, on radio, in concerts across the country but felt most comfortable on a golf course making small talk. Jimmy would stop by my restaurant, Atrias at PNC Park, on many of the DooWop a cappella nights to randomly sing with the many vocalists who were there every Thursday. Surprisingly, Jimmy never wanted to sing lead but rather participate in the harmony. He was truly amazing and could sing anything from bass to first tenor. I miss my friend but cherish the many memories and great music he provided. If you ever have a chance to stop at my Johnny Angel Ginchy Stuff and Museum, you’ll find some interesting displays dedicated to my friend. I truly believe that Jimmy Beaumont should be in the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame!