STORY

Rock, folk, blues, jazz, country, classical and opera style vocalist, piano, synthesizer and organ player from Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Graduate from the University of Waterloo in Environmental Studies and Music Studio Voice and Piano at Conrad Grebel College. Jimmy started piano at the age of 7 and studied classical music up until grade 8 Royal Conservatory. He played trombone for 5 years in high school concert and jazz bands as the first chair. Jimmy studied music at university and learned many skills from talented professors such as composition, theory, psychology, symphony

structure and history of music. Paul Stouffer, piano expert and jazz entertainer was Jimmy's piano and music teacher over the course of many years after studying at U of W's Conrad Grebel College. It is fortunate to have worked on music concepts such as theory, song writing, counterpoint and singing technique with such an extraordinarily talented musician.

 

Jimmy's mom Carole Ann (Beattie) Rupnow from the Dundas family is a relative of Garth Hudson from Canadian-American roots rock group The Band. They were regarded as one of the world's most popular and influential rock bands of all time during the 1960s-1970s. (See PHOTOS page). Jimmy's closest aunt, Betty (Elizabeth Beattie) Caldwell, in the 50's especially was friends and worked with Terry Whelan, Gordon Lighfoot's musical duo partner in The Two Tones. She has spent time with him and Gord especially at Orillia north of Toronto, Ontario. Also at shows over the years she would visit and say hello to Gord in Canada and the USA throughout his career. Betty's husband, Jimmy's dear late Uncle Gil Caldwell, was a very close influence over all the years as a visual artist. Gil's paintings have been found all over the world including galleries, the back covers of Reader's Digest and in various 

magazines and books. He was an extraordinary, smart, funny and gifted influence to his nephew always. 

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There are many of Jimmy's original songs live streaming at all digital outlets. The album entitled Jimmy Rupnow was recorded in 2013. Behind Fire his second album was released in December 2015. Other Levels is a double album from 2016. Two singles were released then Providence is his latest album in 2021. The songs are written, performed, mixed and mastered by Jimmy at Blue Springs Studios in Waterloo, Ontario.

 

Jimmy enjoys travelling often to see live music and spends a lot of time working on music, mountain biking, skiing and swimming. Favourite bands are Phish, Trey Anastasio Band, Mike Gordon, Tedeski Trucks Band, Luna, Dean Wareham, Britta Phillips and Gordon Lightfoot to mention some. 

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He enjoys spending time also in northern Ontario, Canada with amazing family and friends. There is a family history up near Algonquin Park that has been a place to always call home in a quiet area. Also growing up on a farm, being in nature has always been a part of life. 

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