Happy Birthday Jim James: Paying Tribute Spotify Covers Playlist

Jim James (James Edward Olliges, Jr.) was born in Louisville on this date 40 years ago. The My Morning Jacket frontman and accomplished solo performer harnesses one of the most distinctive and captivating voices currently making rock music.

This year finds MMJ taking a break from touring following their One Big Holiday destination event last month in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. James recently revealed details of a new solo album Uniform Distortion, which comes out on June 29. The record follows last year’s covers LP Tribute To 2.

That set of covers, a sequel to his “Yim Yames” credited 2009 Tribute To EP of George Harrison covers, inspired the Jim James Spotify Playlist presented below. The 20-song collection features “All Things Must Pass” from the first EP and three selections from last year’s release, The Beach Boys’ “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times,” Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away” and Irving Berlin’s “Blue Skies.”

Also featured are solo arrangements of Bob Marley’s “Turn Your Lights Down Low” and James is backed by Calexico on Bob Dylan’s “Goin’ To Acapulco.” James’ contribution to the Grateful Dead tribute album Day Of The Dead, “Candyman” is one of several tribute related recordings in the playlist. With MMJ, James can also be heard honoring Dylan, The Band, Levon Helm, John Prine, Buddy Holly, John Denver and Donovan. There are also MMJ covers of classics by Pink Floyd, The Who, Woody Guthrie, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Elvis Presley.

Stream the covers collection below: