Jimmy James and the Vagabonds arrived in the UK from Jamaica in 1964 and became one of the most sought after club acts in the country. They supported The Who at the Marquee Club in 1965 and were asked to headline there for about a year afterwards. They were adopted by the Mods and managed by Peter Meaden. Their most successful record at this time was a version of Neil Diamond's Red, Red Wine, a hit for UB40 in the 80's. They were one of the first in the UK to play behind the Iron Curtain, visiting Hungary in the mid-60's. In addition to their own material recorded some covers of american Soul and R'n'B hits that are considered amongst the best efforts produced in the UK.

Jimmy still performs around the UK with an up-to-date incarnation of the Vagabonds.