A Tribute to Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown (1947-2022) 

My favorite Savoy album was 'Street Corner Talking'. Loved the song 'Tell Mama'. RIP Kim.

This one really hurts........Rest In Peace, Kim Simmonds

One of the most under appreciated bands ever . Kim is a legend . Rip

"Street Corner Talking" was always a favorite. Laid back. Peace on earth.

After buying 'Lion's Share' in 1972, I wrote a letter of appreciation to Kim. A few weeks later and much to my surprise, I received a handwritten 'thank you' letter from him, on thin blue airmail paper, which fifty years later, I still have, taped to the album's inner sleeve. Back then it meant everything, that Kim would make time in his touring schedule, to write a personal reply.

Love Savoy Brown! RIP, sir...

Street Corner Talking was my gateway to Savoy Brown. I loved that album.

Savoy Brown was great when I first heard them in the 60s I followed them through to the '70s and '80s and 90s and the 2000s and never was disappointed I always loved their music I followed a lot of the band members as they came and went to other bands . Foghat came out of Savoy Brown and I will miss Kim Simmons very much because there'll be no more new savory Brown music. But he has left us with one hell of a catalog of music and a whole new generation will find his music it will live on . Thank you Kim Simmons for all the great music Street corner talking

Christine McVie now Kim Simmons. Great video. Rest in peace Kim Simmons. I have a heavy heart now.

Street Corner Talking. One of the very best albums of top quality blues and boogie ever recorded. Still play this great album often. Rest in peace Kim.

I've been following Savoy Brown since the Getting to the Point days, and then backtracked to Shakedown. I've always thought Kim Simmonds was an elite guitar player who complimented one of the best white blues singers of all time, Chris Youlden I was lucky enough to see them a couple times in San Francisco in the late 60's. Even though I liked all of their albums, the Simmonds/Youlden combination will never be matched. I still listen to their albums on a regular basis. RIP Kim.

Thanks, Pete! Kim lived in my area for 30 years so I had the opportunity to go see him play a number of times.

Their first albums with Chris Youlden singing are great. RIP

Badass blues rock player. R.I.P.

One of the best guitarists to ever play the blues. RIP to a legend

Love Kim and Savoy Brown. The King of Boogie Guitar.

I saw him around 12 times through the decades. raw sienna, looking in, lions share others were all super brilliant albums, chris youlden had the greatest vocals , brilliant lyrics, a major loss, one of the greatest bands of that era.

RIP Kim. "Raw Sienna" is a great album.

I was a fan back in the 70's, but never got to see him perform live until May 2019. As soon as he started playing, I remembered why I loved Savoy Brown. I feel blessed to having seen and heard him perform live and I am saddened by his passing.

Savoy Brown "Looking In" is about as good as it gets...What a superb album...damn...what a loss...

Kim was a class act, many enjoyed his music, may he RIP

This hits hard. My uncle turned me on to Savoy Brown when I was a kid, I've been a fan ever since. RIP

I was lucky to see Savoy Brown at the original Woodstock site in 1989. Dave Walker was the singer. They played everything a fan would want to hear. Great memories!

Loved the guy. Seen him live in Detroit more times than I can count. Lucky for us Detroiters, he loved playing here.

Love Savoy Brown and Kim Simmonds... darn it..

RIP. I've been jamming those late 80's early 70's albums quite a bit. Terribly underrated, powerfully emotional & heartfelt powerful singer & musician!!!

Thank you Pete. I know that these tributes are not easy to do, but so very important. Kim was a very prolific musician, even releasing albums in 2019 and 2020. It's important not to forget about the musical legacy of these artists.

Saw today’s video. Caught a part of Kim Simmons’ interview in July, 2020. Then played the album, “Hellbound Train” on RU-vid. I bought the album out of a cutout bin in about 1979. The album sounded the best tonight. It kind of sounded like a bluesy Creedance Clearwater Revival with a pinch of Allman Brothers.

Thanks for doing this, Pete. A huge loss.

R.i.P. great guitar player ! Very sad news for me .ljust love Kim blues .god be with him. His career solo and savoy brown time much appreciated.

My own number one band ....Savoy Brown Ladies and gents !!! craddle to thumb !!!! Mr KIM SIMMONS.........hurra.....gloriuos my guitar héroe.

Got to see him and Savoy Brown in Chicago area once. Rest in peace. Savoy Brown was a major influence on my guitar playing. Looking in from the outside, wish my mind could read the score. One day that door will open. Rest in peace Kim Simmons. Sad loss of a great musician guitar player. Raw Sienna.

Peace to Kim and condolences to his families... His early Savoy Brown recording are absolutely brilliant and my favourite of all blues experiences.

My respects to family, friends and fans of Kim Simmonds. Thanks, Pete, for sharing this beautiful tribute.

I saw Savoy Brown in Annapolis Md about 3 years ago and he was, of course, great ! Just him, a bass player and a drummer. Very simple yet very awesome ! I thought his last 3 albums were quite good. Maybe not quite the variety of the early blues stuff but still great guitar work and his vocals fit his style just fine. RIP Kim - you rocked right up until the end !

Thank You For Posting Rest in peace Kim you will be missed. Thank you for the music.

I've already talked about this here once before but it's worth mentioning. In 1989 on the "Kings of Boogie tour"@ the Cotton Club here in Atlanta. Savoy Brown won my heart that night😀 Because there was only about 20 ppl there 😀 They didn't care 😀They kicked ass 😀Dave Walker was awesome 😀 They acted like there was a 1000 ppl there .That was the only time I ever saw them. At the time I had the kick ass live LP😀 Thru the years I've bought several of Savoy Browns lps I love them . Pete is right about "Boogie Brothers" I love it . Kim Simmons you were so awesome R.I.P 😭

Always loved this band. R.I.P. Kim.

My Dad used to crank Savoy Brown , as kid of 14 just starting my guitar journey I really like the band too! RIP, Kim!

Fine tribute Pete, one of my favourite bands from the late sixties and seventies, i have all those early albums, always loved his guitar playing, only saw them once in the seventies, his later stuff was great as well, seemed a really nice guy as well, we've lost another great. My condolences to his family.

Sad to hear this, my favourite SB album is "Looking in" must've played it 1000s of times. Kim's melodic playing never shouted at me - he had made a unique guitar-playing place for himself that nobody else could fill. Superb tribute Pete and thanks, RIP Kim Simmonds.

MY SAVOY BROWN "PLAYLIST" IS PRICELESS !

Just Now is the first time I heard of savoy brown and to find out founding member Kim Simmonds just died a few days ago is so strange. I really love this music. R.I.P. Kim

Never forget Savoy Brown's "A Step Further", which definitely opened my eyes to the English prog-blues rock scene. Fav vibes, Kim, a sight of a man for blues rock played live. See you.

RIP Kim. Such a wonderful guitarist and leader of one of the most enduring bands ever. His partnership with Chris Youlden was one of the best of all-time. This one is so difficult. Raw Sienna and Blues Matter are Blues Rock classics. But he and Savoy Brown made so many other amazing albums as well. He leaves us with a treasure trove of great music. He will be very much missed.

I have been a lifetime fan of Kim Simmons. He stayed true to his blues roots throughout all the decades of his life. “Raw Sienna” is one of my “desert island” records. And there are no bad Savoy albums. 😢

Loved Savoy Brown. Rest in Peace Kim, thank you for the wonderful music.

I was lucky to see Kim live many times at a small club in Columbus, OH while he was visiting his daughter who lived in Ohio. Kim would always show up early and after setting up the equipment he would sit at the bar and talk with anyone who was there. I had many conversations with Kim and always found him to be such a gentleman and just an outgoing, honest personality. So sad not to be able to see his greatness in person ever again.

Kim Was Tremendous. Every record. Looking in my favorite

RIP Kim Simmonds I think the first rock album I bought and still one of my favorite is Savoy Brown's "Street Corner Talking" on cassette tape.

Thank you for a great tribute. Yes, yes, yes....a truly recognizable tone and sound. My first album was "A Step Further ". Famous for the "Savoy Brown Boogie ". Then on to "Blue Matter", "Street Corner Talking " and "Hellbound Train ". Just recently rediscovered "Looking In".....wow. His last album was very good as well. Had the privilege of attending several concerts. It's sad to know that a fave of my youth has passed. RIP Mr. Simmonds; you and Harry are back together again.

I just watched your interview with Kim last night. Today my friend Howard Glazer who plays guitar here in Detroit called and told me that Kim passed away. Terrible news to hear. We’re losing so many great people. I’ll miss seeing Savoy Brown at the Magic Bag in Ferndale MI each year. The crowd was always great with a lot of regulars there that I got to know. I would record the shows and the cds would end up in my van for months as I would listen to them over and over. This is a very sad day

I was introduced to Savoy Brown in the mid 80s by a good friend with Street Corner Talking and Lion's Share. Since then I have accumulated all of their material that they released on vinyl, as well as most CDs. Not just Savoy Brown's material but also Chris Youlden, Dave Walker, Jackie Lynton, and Stan Webb and others too. I was able to see them in their later years at different festivals and was never disappointed by the performance. Kim was always gracious to his fans and followers as well. Unfortunate that Savoy Brown never made it big. To me they were the best group to come out of Britain in the 60s.

Very nice tribute, Pete. In 1973 when I first started buying records, Kim and Savoy Brown became one of my very favorite bands and I bought Lion’s Share, Looking In, Hellbound Train and Street Corner Talking right off the bat. Saw them a few times too. Heard he was battling C but was hoping for the best. His birthday was just Dec 5 and sadly by that time he was hospitalized. Saddened by his passing, RIP Kim.

One of the originators of bluesy-boogy rock and a great guitarist as well 😪

Kim SIMMONS RIP......it's a sad feeling

Kim Simmonds was such a truly sweet man, and of course an amazing blues musician. I was born in the mid 1970s..... not as many people in my generation know about Savoy Brown. But the albums are absolutely incredible, really comparable to anything that Paul Butterfield or Led Zeppelin or anybody else was doing at that time. And when I saw Kim Simmonds live, he was even better than he was on the albums! He really opened my eyes to how much great music is out there, beyond the things you hear on "classic rock" radio. So, I have him to thank for that. He will be sorely missed by his fans.

Sad day. Both Kim and Manuel. 2 more guitarists for the all-star band in heaven.

...Kim Simmonds...you've been the soundtrack of my life ....Rock In Peace ✌️ Brother

Definitely belongs in the pantheon of great British blues guitarists. R.I.P. Kim

I'm sorry to hear this. I have enjoyed Savoy Brown's music, especially Kim's guitar playing, for some time.

Kim write hundreds of very good songs and there are so many excellent albums including Voodoo Moon a few years ago. I saw him play around 25 times. So much music over the last 58 years.

This was the English boogie band that set the distinct shuffle sound 4 Canned Heat and layer, ZZTop. KIM was a master arranger, writer, player and "riff" creator. Saw them n '68 at a skate rink turned venue with the Grease Band, Humble Pie.

Absolute discography complet.....My guitar héroe

Sad, Huge fan saw them many times. 'Raw Sienna' Album is fantastic.

RIP Kim. One of the best Boogie players bar none.

Every Savoy Brown álbum is like Every beatles' album....royal taste

Kim Simmonds was truly, IMHO, one the best of the British blues player. His solos were clean and concise, plus, no one could bend the high notes like he could. Saw them many times in many group iterations but my favorite performances were those I saw at the Fillmore East with the Chris Youlden/Lonesome Dave lineup. They would blow the roof off of that old theater. Fame is fickle. Sometimes talent isn't enough. I still think Kim's career arc might have been different had they played at Woodstock. I saw them many times that summer. My guess is that they were already committed to a booking somewhere else. RIP Kim.

As i write this it was hearing of his death... Saw him many times over the years, and lived in my hometown, and had a chance to chat with him a few years back. Very humble man. Great legend, RIP and fly high Kim

Sad news, one of the greats. What stands out for me was how tight the playing was on those albums.

When I heard he passed I felt like the lament blues song by Kim Simmonds....( Sunday Night) RIP, thanks for the innovative jams!

Thanks Pete for the touching tribute to Kim. I near 70 myself was an avid Savoy Brown fan. Saw them open for the "Faces(Rod Stewart) early 70s at a college uni. here in n.c. . Kim among my all time guitar greats most definately. Again thanks for the heartfelt memoriam to one of the all time greatest axemen.

Loved Kim and Savoy for a long time. So glad I got to see them during the 2nd Dave Walker period. Very sad loss, one of the great guitarists. RIP Kim.

Fly high with the Angels Kim

Thanks Pete, I listened to a lot of Savoy Brown when I was in high school back in the early 70's. Classic tracks RIP Kim

In 1969 at 18, I visited a friend and on the floor of his room ( a shed next to his mums house) I found a Lightnin Hopinks 1966 LP recorded in Germany and a Savoy Brown LP, "Blue Matter." Both scratched. Hadn't heard of either, even though I grew up loving blues. Blue Matter had tracks like " Train to Nowhere " " Louisiana Blues" ( possibly influenced by Hopkins track " Goin to Louisiana " which was on the 66 LP.) " Don't Turn me from your Door." One side was in the studio the other live. I always thought after playing this great LP that they were as good as Cream or Fleetwood Mac or any other UK outfit, better than most. These days, at 72 I play Train To Nowhere or Don't Turn Me From Your Door etc through Bluetooth in my car, which I only recently figured out, on my own! This is one of the finest blues bands ever.

Tell mama…and all the folks back home. RIP Kim.

Kim Simmons.....God bless You

Saw him fronting Savoy Brown in the nineties in a little club playing in front of a hundred crowd and it was awesome. What an incredible player! Savoy Brown's 60's and 70's albums are legendary but I love their 80's and 90's recordings, such as "Make me sweat" (1988) and "Let it ride" (1992).

Dammit. Was just talking about him and the band today at my store. I saw them open for Iron Butterfly, Mountain, and Grand Funk here in Tulsa back in 1985. What a night that was.

Sad to lose one of Rocks greats & Christine McVie way to close together , a sad time for 70s real rock & blues will make for a somber New Years for us guitar players & all music lovers of these great musicians. Saw Kim several times & he was amazing & funny as hell . He always appreciated his fans as much as we did him . What a legacy between both Christine & Kim . Glad to have grown up in that era of awesome rock n roll & blues. Goodbye to two greats we won't forget.

A lovely tribute and obviously heartfelt. I'll be playing my Savoy Brown collection for a wee while, I suspect.

Lovely tribute Pete. Many thanks for this

I just saw him play a few years ago in Reading, PA. Small venue but he and his band were great. Love Savoy Brown!

We were hoping to go to a show. He lived 50 miles in Oswego NY.. My wife is totally bummed...

got started with blue matter, i'm 70 now and i liked KIM.... RIP BROTHER

As always a fantastic tribute by Pete.

Sorry to hear this.He was a great musician and loved a lot of the Savoy Brown stuff.The album that got me started was Looking In and a bit of a favorite.Well said Pete.

I play Savoy Brown at a neighborhood bar sometimes and people say, who is this? They love it. Like Can’t get next to you. I’ll walk in and people say what was that band? Can you play some of that? Some folks just cant can’t get enough of Savoy Brown!

This really hard to hear, tears in my eyes. Of course I was aware of Savoy Brown since the late 70's but had really only been buying Kim Simmonds music for about the last 5 years. I always looked forward to finding another new release when they came out. RIP Kim Simmonds,, Your music lives On!

RIP Kim Simmonds. He was a great musician! "Raw Sienna" and "Looking in" are amazing albums! Pete, could you please do the ranking the Savoy Brown albums?

Savoy Brown was one of my favourite bands of the late 60's, early 70's. They put out a string of 6-8 albums that were second to none and still hold up fantastic after all these years. It's so sad.

Thanks Pete, a fine tribute to a damn fine guitarist & band leader. Saw them at Bradford around ‘74 on a double header with Chicken Shack, ticket price 50p, one the best concerts I ever saw. Finished off with Stan Webb & Kim jamming together, Stan wandering into the crowd, playing away. ‘Boogie Brothers’ is well worth a listen, as are all the early albums you mention Pete. RIP Kim Simmonds, thanks for the amazing body of work you’ve left us.

...Pete that was Rockn' with Love ....RIP Kim Simmonds

Thanks for the tribute. My Dad introduced me to Kim and Savoy Brown and I was blown away by his musicianship. I became a big fan and saw him several times. Your next addition to your collection should be the Bring It Home album from the 90s. Incredible disc. Pete McMahon is on vocals and harp. I think he is a NY guy too. The album was re-mastered and reissued in 2021.

Condolences to the family.

A band that never got enough respect. Shake Down is perhaps the greatest British blues album ever.

I got to know Kim in the 90's. He was on tour in The GREAT NW. KIM played 6 times at PETER'S RESTAURANT IN KELSO WASHINGTON A TRUE GENTLEMAN and an instant FRIEND. PETE LA RIVIERE was Our owner and golfing buddy of KIM'S. DAVE OLSON from EUGENE was his drummer a coupla times PETE MC MAHONE from ROCHESTER NY sang for KIM at least once. When they played the soulful anthem MISERY every body in the bar paid attention more than I had ever seen. People were sobbing all over each other. As bartender and friends with most of our clientele I got to enjoy KIM AS A BUDDY every time he played. One time FOGHAT was playing in our area the same night and KIM got to share the stage With his longtime friend LONESOME DAVE who Stopped by and SAT IN with OUR FAVORITE HUMAN MR. KIM SIMMONDS. HE WAS OUR GREATEST OF ALL TIME. RIP DEAR FRIEND. WILL NOW PLAY 'BRING IT HOME' CD AMEN MR SIMMONDS. HEAVEN IS LUCKY TO NOW BE A SAVOYITE.

Got a chance to see Savoy Brown in the mid-1980s at the Red Creek nightclub in Rochester NY. I think he had Dave Walker on vocals. Last time I saw him was around 3 or 4 years ago in Homer NY at the Center for the Arts. Performances were top-notch and he sounded great both times. When you'd hear people on old 1970s recordings yell "BOOGIE", you have to think Savoy Brown. I believe he lived in Oswego NY right up near Lake Ontario. RIP Kim Simmonds.

Nice work SoT. RIP Kim.