R.I.P. Jim Ford

R.I.P. - James Henry Ford. Though he released only one album* (Harland County), he wrote songs for Aretha Franklin, The Temptations and Bobby Womack, was a friend and major influence of Nick Lowe and Sly Stone, played with Elvis Presley, Gram Parsons, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello, Ricky Nelson and many more. He was also stepfather to Marlon Brando's children. Though amazingly gifted as a singer and songwriter, Jim Ford's legacy was limited after failing to sign with Atlantic's Jerry Wexler and becoming addicted to cocaine in the 80s. He beat the addiction in 2004, found Jesus, and started working again. A few months ago Bear Family re-released Harland County with 15 previously unreleased songs and a 40 page booklet as The Sounds of our Time. Ford was having the time of his life and recording music for the first time in years with a NEW album set to release in February. He had been planning to perform with Nick Lowe and record an album with Dr. John next spring. Aside from writing and singing music, he was fond of rebuilding Peugeots at his house in Fort Bragg, CA.