Anyone who knows anything about the Los Angeles country and roots scene knows who James Intveld is. Ask any truly hip Joe or Jane about Jimmy and you are likely to get replies ranging from "Oh yeah, he was the guy who came up with the idea of the Barn Dance," to "He's definitely one of the best singers anywhere," to the swoon and half giggle retort from a female fan that can only be translated into a breathless sigh of admiration.

by Jana Pendragon

Industry insider and business professional Allen Larman says, "Jimmy is the first generation of performers playing his style of roots rock. He's had a big impact upon Big Sandy and Russell Scott," referring to Intveld's part in the L.A. Rockabilly project. "He's significant to this community because he has been a mentor of sorts to so many. He retains a lot of class and dignity and the new kids look up to him. He's an inspiration to other musicians and a forefather of the rockabilly/roots scene."

He's also the guy who has worked with Yoakam, Springsteen and Dylan, and was a Blaster at one time. And, just to keep things interesting, he's that swingin' cat Jimmy fronting a swing band called The Gigolos, as well as one of Europe's favorite American performers, and the subject of a German television special, 'James Intveld: Portrait of a Man and His Music.' Intveld says when asked about his success outside the U.S., "Over there they know my songs, the lyrics. There's nothing better. It is so wonderful that people would be into what you write. There's nothing like it."

In spite of this star treatment, also extended to him in Britain and Australia, he is still basically a struggling artist in America. As Linda Jemison, owner and operator of Orange County's hippest night spot The Doll Hut says. "James is one of the most talented human beings I've ever met - song writing, musicianship, acting. He's also unrecognized, unfortunately."

But, unlike many whom fate has sentenced to trudge this same rocky path, James Intveld has learned his lessons well. And in spite of personal tragedy, he's standing firm and making his dreams come true. With last years release of his first project on Bear Family Records in Germany, Jimmy has cemented his place as a more than viable world class talent. His self-titled CD was recorded at Penguin Studios in L.A. and James played all the instruments, sang all the parts, arranged and produced. A feat of Herculean proportions to say the least, but Intveld wouldn't have it any other way.

His history is simple, yet unknown to even his most ardent fans. Born and raised in Compton before moving to Garden Grove where he and brother Ricky graduated from high school. "I listened to what everyone else listened to when I was growing up. Top 40, American Bandstand or whatever my parents were into." His parents unknowingly paved the way for both James and Ricky into the world of music. The elder Intvelds were always listening to music; Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Hank Sr., Lefty Frizzell, Fats Domino and of course, Elvis. As of teenager Jimmy listened to what his friends listened to. That included Led Zeppelin, Rod Stewart and David Bowie. Thinking about all the music in his young life James states simply, "I got a pretty broad span of music (growing up)." And like the rest of us in that booming generation, James Intveld was also influenced by T.V., radio and the movies, especially old ones. Church groups, school programs and eventually playing for dances contributed to the musical education of the Intveld boys. Still, it was their parents who allowed James and Ricky to flourish. The family performed together, dressing up and singing. Jimmy lovingly remembers something his father did that made the music more accessible... "He used to sing along with records all the time. So, we started doing it."

Continuing, "I always knew, ever since I was a kid, that I wanted to be a musician, singer and actor... in my mind I always thought, 'these are my dreams - this is what I want to do'". And the dreams began to come true. After high school and a move to Pasadena, James Intveld was a familiar figure at the numerous talent nights available throughout the City of Angels, including the world famous club Palomino.

Having played guitar since the age of 8 and being in bands since he was 10, the next step was to form a band of his own (with younger brother Ricky and Pat Woodward). "This was the first time I put a band together to go to L.A. and play. That band was the Rockin' Shadows." This was during the '80s when the L.A. scene was poppin' every night with plenty of talent and clubs that supported the scene and the players. It was this atmosphere that eventually gave rise to Dwight Yoakam, The Blasters, Lone Justice, Rosie Flares, and the idea that being a part of the music created in a town south of Bakersfield meant something. Club 88, Madame Wong's and the myriad of venues catering to punk bands also booked artists like James, who was experimenting with rockabilly at the time. As for the scene itself, after discovering that there was indeed a scene, Intveld says, "I got involved... and once you find out there is a scene that's it - there's your whole life."

In 1983 the band dissolved when Ricky Intveld and Pat Woodward joined Ricky Nelson. "I didn't have a band for a few years. I concentrated on my acting." And that is another facet of this man. Cast in small movie parts, T.V. and music videos, James also did the singing for fellow actor Johnny Depp in John Water's movie, "Crybaby." Because of the vast expanse of talent that makes Intveld who he is, he is constantly in demand for roles and he auditions often. And if you listen carefully you just might hear him singing on a commercial or doing jingles.

But, the music seems to be at the heart of this man. After Ricky and Pat joined Nelson's band, James paid his dues playing acoustic sets in bars and putting together another outfit under his own name. With steady gigs at a place in Pasadena and the Roxy, Intveld proceeded to travel through many metamorphoses. This resulted in more song writing. "In 1986 I started writing a little more straight rock 'n roll/pop rock stuff. I got out of the rockabilly scene... I was looking to express myself in a different way."

The '80s saw James emerge into a multidimensional musician. Working with Pete Anderson and Dusty Wakeman, he is an alumnus of volume two of the landmark compilation project, Town South of Bakersfield. His song writing also landed Rosie Flares in the Top 40 when she recorded "Cryin' Over You," a song James covers on his disc that has 'classic' written all over it.

By the time the '9Os were a reality and not just science fiction, Intveld was still trying to get a record deal. Not willing to settle for just any deal, he confesses. "People told me I didn't have to settle for just anything, I should hold out." With a subtle and honest sense of humor he flatly states with a twinkle in his eye, "I think I've kind of held out a little too long."

More comfortable with his roots and as an artist who doesn't consider himself a real country performer or writer Intveld admits, "I really love country music and most of my songs have country in them." But he is not willing to lock himself into one category, he writes what he wants and leaves the labeling to others. Still he explains, "I don't want to be a throw back. I want to be current." As for his relationship with country music he confides, "I don't write like the 'new country' stuff. I'm not into that. I like the old (traditional) country" He reiterates, "But I'm not trying to be old country. If my songs sound old country that's why (because I like traditional country)" Continuing, "My songs relate to people in the present - broken hearts. relationships, feelings - it's universal."

But what about the man himself? Fellow musician and singer Scott Joss recalls a telling moment at the 1996 Elvis Birthday Tribute... "I've known James for a while and I always considered him a terrific artist and a great guy. But. when he asked me to join him on stage at the Elvis show out of the clear blue, I was touched. Not many performers are so willing to share the spotlight... or take the chance of inviting someone they are not that familiar with to get up there and join in. Intveld is comfortable with himself and very willing to extend himself for others, a rare thing."

Another L.A. contemporary, Kathy Robertson, who shares a musical history with James in the community flatly states, "James Intveld is a great singer. One of the best. As a performer myself I am always mesmerized when I watch him perform." After a moment's thought she laughingly adds, "And he's easy on the eyes too!"

In response to that, James replies humbly, "My whole attitude about musicians is this: I'm a side man with so many people, when I'm the front man doing my own thing, I still don't think of myself in that way. I always have a good time with the guys (or gals) I play with."

Producer/guitar wizard and founder and president of Little Dog Records, Pete Anderson notes "I've watched Jimmy very carefully over the years and I've always known he would come into his own when the time was right. I like him, he's a good guy. And with the Bear Family CD he seems to be fulfilling all the promises I saw years ago. It's a pleasure to see someone so deserving getting the success he's worked so hard for."

Respected and genuinely liked by his peers and the folks who book him into their clubs, James is a private man who is uncomfortable talking about himself. Still, that private side peeks out periodically and if you are quick you can catch a glimpse of a deep thinker and a sensitive soul. A part of that soul is best friend and brother Ricky Intveld, who perished in the same plane crash that took Ricky Nelson and longtime Intveld intimate Pat Woodward. This was perhaps the greatest loss James has suffered. Rockabilly eider statesmen Ray Campi writes in the liner notes of the Bear Family CD (that is dedicated to brother Ricky and includes a touching photo of the brothers together), "The Intveld family was devastated and Jimmy never fully recovered from the loss of his little brother." As anyone knows who has lost a loved one in such a way, it becomes a part of you. Still life goes on and as James says, "I'm still alive and I'm still here. This is now my life - he's gone. You can't change your life and you can't sit around with regret." Further he states, "Everything that's happened has made me who I am today. Maybe that's good. Maybe I have messages for other people in my music...I wouldn't change anything, everything has been a lesson, something for me to learn."

As for the future, James Intveld is looking forward to it and his original music will be the focus. Planned: a tour of the U.S. and Europe, a CD documenting the work of Jimmy & the Gigolos, and starting another album of his own, again a Bear Family release with James in complete control. Free to do what he pleases on this upcoming project is a blessing. Reflecting upon the differences between the business here and in Europe he says, "Here it's about 'what are we going to turn you into, can we make you a star? Can we make hit records?' They are looking for a product not an artist." In contrast European music is just that, about the music and the artists who make it. "They are so much more into the music, even the business people. It's incredible. (In Europe) they love the music and want to promote it."

Concluding, Intveld has this to say about the horrid state of the country and roots music business in America, "It's hard to get a chance to get your music heard here. It's hard to get good shows, it is all so political. And radio is dead. It's almost impossible to get anywhere."

This is a man whose career is hard earned. No easy breaks come his way and he freely acknowledges the struggle. Still he has wishes and hopes that go beyond himself. "I wish that people would pay attention to each other. Everything moves so fast. We are all guilty. People have to stop for a second and look around - see what they have and be aware." As for himself, "What I'm trying to do for myself personally in my life is to have a better attitude and be thankful. In the past I was not always thankful for the things that have been good to me and I've been cynical about the whole process of my career." Reflecting for a moment he finishes this thought with a hint of a triumphant smile, "Now I'm shedding all that. I look at all the possibilities."

With all the talent, poise, wisdom and charm that he possesses, there is quite literally nothing James Intveld can't do. He has touched many and made on honest heartfelt contribution to the Los Angeles music community. And it's true, kiddies, sometimes the good guys do win.