JIMMY JAMES video tribute to "THE MARILYN YEARS" ('83-'97)

JIMMY JAMES' tribute to 'THE MARILYN YEARS'
A beautiful look back at a talented performance artist who to this day was perhaps the best in the world at recreating or impersonating Marilyn Monroe. As an actor, singer, and voice impressionist, James mesmerized audiences everywhere who witnessed this uncanny vulnerable portrayal.

"MARILYN & VOICES" All LIVE! Vocals:
Jimmy James Shows were always in 2parts:
Act I -"MARILYN" & Act II -"VOICES"
But after 14 years of breathing life into the great screen actress, he feared becoming a parody. So out of respect to Marilyn and for himself, he made a very bold decision to retire from performing as Marilyn in 1997. By doing so he kept in place the beautiful images he had worked so hard to uphold.

At the close of 1997 his Act I -"MARILYN" ended for good. But James whole-heartedly looked forward to evolving as an entertainer. He has said, "I have the greatest respect for Marilyn as an Artist. She fought and struggled maintain integrity for herself as an Actress and Artist. She was the main reason I got my start in show business. She helped make my dreams come true. Because of her I learned how to become an Artist and Entertainer as well. She gave me the opportunity to be seen on television, travel and tour and see the world. For these reasons I will always hold a special place in my heart for her. I also kind of walked in her shoes so to speak. I think I felt things that she might have felt. But in the end I was ready to let her go. Marilyn does not belong to me, she belongs to the world."

ALL of the images in this video are of Jimmy James as Marilyn Monroe (xcept for the 2 books he holds towards the end). This video was edited by: James Papadopoulos NYC.

No photographs exist of Jimmy James as Marilyn Monroe beyond the year 1997.

The song here on this video is called "Stay Gold" sung by Jimmy James / written by Stevie Wonder. This very special sweet song is on the soundtrack closing credits for the motion picture "The Outsiders" originally sung by Stevie Wonder.

Jimmy James lives in New York City and still performs his famous Voice Impressions and tours. Currently he is signed to Made Records and is enjoying a reinvention of his career as a recording artist. His own original self-penned Dance Club HIT "FASHIONISTA" (from the album 'Jamestown') is playing in Dance Clubs and Fashion shows around the world.

Category:

Entertainment

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• jimmy
• james
• marilyn
• monroe
• stay
• gold
• stevie
• wonder
• fashionista
• who
• wants
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• lover

[oneandmanyjimmyjames]

My Marilyn Years were important to me. But you have to evolve. It would be sad to hold on to this forever. I refused to do it beyond the age of 36 (when she died). I left it with dignity and the love & respect for her image in tact.

[Willowthewillows]

I'm a photo-realistic artist -and trust me: he's the BEST (and that includes the female artists and actresses)  He not only accurately evoked the movements and gestures (and uncannily recreated her expressive and singular facial features) but also her wise, vulnerable and funny spirit. Even the BEST and most famous tributes (Susan Griffiths) don't quite capture the look which, so far as I can tell, only Marilyn and Jimmy shared. Love to you, Jimmy James! <3

[oneandmanyjimmyjames]

@Willowthewillows Thank You :)

[oneandmanyjimmyjames]

I have always been TERRIFIED of performing as Marilyn past the age of 36 (when she died). I ended my Marilyn years when I was still on top. It seems like hardly anyone understands that. I see old Marilyn impersonators and they seem sad to me. I don't know...It's like telling someone to go back to high school and try to look EXACTLY like you looked in high school... It's impossible and even if it were possible, your heart & soul would be somewhere else.

[oneandmanyjimmyjames]

@oneandmanyjimmyjames Thank you so much for your kind words. I felt a responsibility to study and research MM intensely to accurately recreate her properly with grace and dignity. I studied her life, personality, body movements, and tried to understand who and what she must have been like on the inside. I wanted to be an actor paying tribute to her. I wanted to honor her memory and her fans. In the process I too became a big fan of hers.

[bennymidler]

jimmy - yo have been so unbelivable great.... i wath your videos many times - also as an inspiration for my shows - why did u quit doing marilyn????

so many friendly greetings from vienna!

[oneandmanyjimmyjames]

No one can do MM forever. I did it longer than she did it. I wanted to evolve as an artist. I quit while I was ahead and did not allow myself to become a parody or a joke.

[HologramBoy]

Love It, the best Marilyn impersonator in the WORLD!!sad to say we lost Marilyn twice...

[blueridgelad1]

MARILYN FOREVER.....AND JIMMY JAMES FOREVER, TOO!

[mikesterSTLMO]

It's all in the eyes; those "droopy" Marilyn eyes, and Jimmy James captured them (not to mention the hair and voice) better than anyone. Still the best, bar none.

[mexican1015]

OMG your amazing i saw the trailer for " My Week With Marilyn " You should have been marilyn!! Love You !1

[ShaboobieBoobarella]

Amazing work - I am amazed that I haven't been aware of you before. While looking up the film 'Outrageous,' I am across you. Brilliant. As a long term Marilyn fan, yours is one of the only impressions ever that has impressed me like this. Such respect and such style. Thank you. I shall now be sure to follow you in your future endeavours! XXX

[dneenlove]

wow ,u made me cry.... this was beautiful, you have a new fan in me!

[bcstxboi]

Jimmy, this is a very beautiful tribute. Your work as Marilyn is truly awe inspiring and takes my breath away. I was so lucky to see you perform at The Village Station in Dallas around '91.  Best of luck to you and much success!