Simmonz Bassist Jamie Simmons Dies at 49

Sad news out of Cross Plains: Jamie Simmons, bassist of the Nashville hard rock group Simmonz, has died. According to the Robertson County news site Smokey Barn News, Simmons sustained injuries in an accident outside White House on Thursday, Feb. 22. Family members tell SBN that Simmons was found unconscious and trapped in his vehicle, and that the quick action of a FedEx driver and another motorist extinguished a fire at the scene. Simmons was taken by ambulance to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he died on Feb. 25. He was 49.

In 1984, Jamie joined Simmonz, the group his brothers Mike Simmons (a guitarist) and Paul Simmons (a drummer, who would go on to play in the first lineup of Th' Legendary Shack Shakers) had started with singer Cash Easlo — a time when metal bands were few and far between in Nashville. Simmonz hasn't played regularly in some time, but still got together occasionally to play for enthusiastic audiences. Simmons was also well-known to doctors at Vanderbilt for his complete recovery from a serious motorcycle accident in 2012.

Tony Frost, a friend of Simmons, tells the Scene that funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, March 3 at Highland Park Church, at 5710 Knob Road in Nashville. Visitation begins at 10 a.m., and a celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. There will be a graveside service at White House Memorial Gardens, at 3639 U.S. 31-W in White House. Dress is casual, and motorcyclists are welcome to participate in the escort ride from the church.

Below, see a video and hear some audio captured at a Simmonz show at Mercy Lounge in April 2017.