Jim
and Dan Seals were born and raised in West Texas, Jim born in
Sidney in 1941 and Dan born in McCamey in 1948. Both brothers
started playing music early on, sometimes with father Wayland;
who, although being a pipeliner for the Shell Oil Company during
the day, spent his off time picking guitar with the Oil Patch
Boys, a local rockabilly group that often served as an opening act
or backup for nationally known artists that passed through the
area -- Ernest Tubb being one of note. Wayland had young Dan
participating in music not long after the toddler stage, playing
the washboard or the single string bass. Both boys eventually took
up the saxophone and guitar and Jimmy won the Texas State Fiddling
Championship at the age of 9.
Around 1958 Dan moved with his mother to Dallas. Jimmy, along with
to be partner Dash Crofts was already touring nationally with The
Champs (of Tequila fame). The early 1960's found Dan performing in
local bands around the Dallas area and by 1965 he enjoyed a
regional hit single with Southwest FOB entitled "The Smell of
Incense". The early 60's also gave Jim an opportunity as a
solo artist that allowed him to showcase his vocal, instrumental
and songwriting skills. His solo career never exploded but led to
a career as a songwriter and studio musician in LA working with
and composing for recording acts such as Gene Vincent, Rick
Nelson, Brenda Lee, The Knickerbockers and The Monkees.
By 1969 Dan formed a duo with John Ford Coley. Jimmy and Dash had
released their first album as Seals and Crofts. In 1972 Seals and
Crofts enjoyed their first top 10 hit with "Summer
Breeze". While Seals and Crofts continued to crank out a
string of hits Dan and John survived an unrewarding venture at
A&M Records long enough to eventually score a big hit called
"I'd Really Love To See You Tonight" followed by by
"Nights Are Forever Without You". In fact, Dan gives
credit to John for coming up with the name England Dan and John
Ford Coley.
Both acts continued to enjoy extremely successful musical careers
throughout the 1970's, both compiling and releasing volumes of
their greatest hits. In the 80's Jim moved with his family to
Costa Rica to farm coffee while Dan enjoyed a string of 11 number
one country hits as a solo artist with songs such as
"Bop", "Everything That Glitters is Not Gold"
and "Let The Good TIme Roll". In 1986 he won CMA Awards
for Single of The Year and Duet with Marie Osmond for "Meet
Me in Montana".
In August of 2002, Dan invited Jimmy to perform with on the stage
of the Grand Ole Opry. What transpired was one of the most
memorable moments experienced at that venue. From there the Seals
Brothers have done what comes naturally to them. For the first
time sincec their early childhood days in west Texas, they are
performing together, writing together and recording together.
Separately Jim and Dan have defied the odds and built enduring
musical legacies. Today you may very well hear "Summer
Breeze", "Bop" or "I'd Really Love To See You
Tonight" on your radio. Each man has contributed a wealth of
endearing music to their generation that continues to please
listeners. But, with The Seals Brothers it's not just music -- its
family.
Jim
and Dan Seals were born and raised in West Texas, Jim born in
Sidney in 1941 and Dan born in McCamey in 1948. Both brothers
started playing music early on, sometimes with father Wayland;
who, although being a pipeliner for the Shell Oil Company during
the day, spent his off time picking guitar with the Oil Patch
Boys, a local rockabilly group that often served as an opening act
or backup for nationally known artists that passed through the
area -- Ernest Tubb being one of note. Wayland had young Dan
participating in music not long after the toddler stage, playing
the washboard or the single string bass. Both boys eventually took
up the saxophone and guitar and Jimmy won the Texas State Fiddling
Championship at the age of 9.
