R.I.P.: Jimi Jamison, Lead Singer of Survivor

Jimi Jamison

Jimi Jamison, the former lead singer for the rock bands Cobra and Survivor, died Sunday, his booking agent Sally Irwin confirmed to the Los Angeles Times.

Jamison died of a heart attack at his home in Memphis, Tenn., Irwin said. He was 63.

Jamison was the lead singer for Survivor from the mid-to-late 1980s, creating such hits as "Burning Heart" from "Rocky IV" and "The Moment of Truth" from "The Karate Kid."

Jamison joined the group at the height of its popularity -- the band having just released "Eye of the Tiger" from "Rocky III" -- after former lead singer David Bickler left the group because of voice issues.

In a 1985 interview with The Times, Jamison said that following such a monster hit wasn't easy.

Post by Jimi Jamison.

"After 'Eye of the Tiger,' the fans wanted an album full of songs like 'Eye of the Tiger,' " said Jamison, who was not with the band when its second album, "Caught in the Game," was released in 1983 to little success. "An average or a good album wouldn't be enough. The band needed a great album and some huge hit singles. But it didn't happen."

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