Jimmy Wisner

James J. "Jimmy" Wisner (b. December 8, 1931, Philadelphia) is an American pianist, arranger, songwriter, and producer. He is best known for his hit single "Asia Minor", released under the name Kokomo.

Wisner received classical training as a youngster, and attended Temple University as a psychology student in the late 1950s. He formed the Jimmy Wisner Trio in 1959 with Chick Kinney on drums and Ace Tsome on bass. This ensemble backed musicians who toured through Philadelphia, including Mel Torme, Carmen McRae, Dakota Staton, and The Hi-Lo's. [http://www.rockabilly.nl/references/messages/jimmy_wisner.htm Jimmy Wisner] at Rockabilly.nl]

He released several full-length albums as a jazz musician, but in 1961 recorded a rock & roll adaptation of Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor, using shellac on the hammers of a cheap piano so as to effect a honky tonk sound. [ [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gcfoxqrjldhe~T1 Review of "Asia Minor"] . Allmusic] So as not to alienate his jazz fans, he released the tune, titled "Asia Minor" under the name Kokomo; he was turned down by 10 labels and had to release the track on his own label Future Records. The song became a hit, reaching #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 [ [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gcfoxqrjldhe~T3 Billboard] , Allmusic] and #35 on the UK Singles Chart, [Search for "Kokomo" peformed on [http://www.everyhit.com/searchsec.php Everyhit.com] database on August 15, 2008.] despite having been banned by the BBC. Wisner released further singles as Kokomo on his prior label, Felsted, but did not have another hit.

Following the success of "Asia Minor", Wisner launched a successful career as a songwriter, producer, and composer for film and television. He wrote "Don't Throw Your Love Away", a #1 UK hit for The Searchers in 1964, as well as The Tymes's "Somewhere", which went Top 20 in the UK. As a producer and arranger Wisner worked with Freddy Cannon, Neil Sedaka, Len Barry, Miriam Makeba, Judy Collins, Paul Evans, Tony Bennett, Carly Simon, Al Kooper, Iggy Pop, Barbra Streisand, Tommy James, and Brigitte Bardot. He also headed Columbia Records's A&R department for a time.

Discography

;As Jimmy Wisner
*"Blues for Harvey" (Felsted Records, 1959)
*"Apperception" (Chancellor Records, 1960)

;As Kokomo
*"Asia Minor" (Future Records, 1961)

References