Jim Seals was half of the popular 1970s soft rock duo Seals and Crofts, known for hits including “Summer Breeze.”
- Died: June 6, 2022 (Who else died on June 6?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 80.
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Musical career
Seals grew up in a musical family, including younger brother Dan Seals (1948–2009), who was half of the soft rock duo England Dan and John Ford Coley. Seals left home as a teen to pursue a musical career along with friend and bandmate Dash Crofts. The two played in bands including the Champs alongside Glen Campbell (1936–2017) before forming their own duo in the late 1960s. Their sound revolved around Seals’ guitar and Crofts’ mandolin, though Seals also played saxophone and violin, as well as contributing vocals. Their first hit came with 1972’s “Summer Breeze,” followed by tracks including “Diamond Girl,” “I’ll Play for You,” and “Get Closer.” The duo disbanded in 1980, though they reunited several times. In later years, Seals toured with his brother as Seals and Seals, and he operated a coffee farm in Costa Rica. He was a member of the Baha’i Faith, often reflected in the lyrics he wrote.
Notable quote
“Lyrically, I think music can convey things that are hard sometimes for people to say to each other. But through a song, through someone else’s eyes, they can see it and it’s not so much a confrontation.” —from a 1991 interview for the Los Angeles Times
Tributes to Jim Seals
Full obituary: KTSA
