Who Is Jim Lea (musician)? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on June 14, 1949, Jim Lea has aged gracefully into his mid-70s. He rose to fame as a talented musician, best known for his time with the legendary rock band Slade, where he showcased his skills as a bassist, violinist, and songwriter. With a career spanning over five decades, Jim has left a significant impact on the music industry and continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 14, 1949 |
| Age | 76 Years |
| Birth Place | Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Jim Lea (musician)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Jim Lea stands at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. His weight is estimated to be around 160 pounds (73 kg). Despite being in his 70s, Jim maintains a fit and healthy appearance, indicative of his active lifestyle both on and off stage. While specific body measurements aren't publicly discussed, it's clear that Jim prioritizes his health and well-being.
Lea started off with a Framus Star bass, similar to that used by Bill Wyman and later used a cherry Gibson EB-3 from the late 1960s until it was stolen in the mid 1970s. It is seen in Slade's (probably) first TV performance in 1969. Lea got the bass in exchange for a Gibson EB-0 that he owned.
The EB-3 was refinished in white when Lea put it in with John Birch to get some minor circuit and servicing work done. Lea said that he only mentioned the refinish idea in passing some time previously, then John Birch went ahead with it without checking with him.
The instrument was also modified with a third pickup located between its standard neck and bridge pickups. After the EB-3 was stolen in 1976 from the John Birch workshop, Lea's main bass was a similarly styled custom-made sunburst John Birch bass, given as a replacement. He also carried a John Birch J2 bass as a backup bass on some tours.
Other notable basses that Lea owns include a Jaydee bass (which, uncommonly for a bass guitar, has a tremolo arm fitted), a pre-1981 Ibanez Flying-V bass (which was used a lot in the studio in the 1970s).
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Jim Lea has maintained a relatively low profile regarding his personal life, it is known that he has been in a long-term relationship. As of 2025, details about his current boyfriend or girlfriend remain private, but in past interviews, Jim has expressed the importance of family and close relationships in his life. Fans are eager to know more about his personal connections but respect his desire for privacy.
Influenced by French jazz-violinist Stéphane Grappelli, Lea's first musical love was the violin which he began playing aged 10. His parents Frank Lea and Edna Whild owned The Grange pub in Bilbrook where he grew up. He attended Codsall Comprehensive School – now Codsall Community High School.
He joined the Staffordshire Youth Orchestra in 1961, and gained first class honours in a London music-school practical exam, before moving on to piano, guitar and finally bass guitar. He first played guitar, and then bass, in the schoolboy group 'Nick and The Axemen'.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Jim Lea's estimated net worth is approximately $10 million. His earnings come from various sources, including album sales, royalties from his extensive discography, and live performances. In addition to his music career, Jim has also explored opportunities in songwriting and producing, further contributing to his financial success.
In 2007, Lea released his first solo album, Therapy, which was made available on his website. It received positive reception upon its release and features Lea's own version of Slade's last single "Universe". In 2016, Wienerworld re-issued Therapy on CD and also released it on vinyl for the first time with bonus tracks. A new six-track extended play, Lost in Space, was released on 22 June 2018.
Career, Business, and Investments
Jim Lea's career skyrocketed in the early 1970s with Slade, known for hit songs like "Cum On Feel the Noize" and "Mama Weer All Crazee Now." After achieving massive success, he ventured into solo projects and continued to write and produce for other artists. In recent years, Jim has embraced new technology, releasing music through various streaming platforms and focusing on digital distribution. His business acumen is evident as he diversifies his investment portfolio, which includes music publishing rights and endorsement deals.
Lea left Slade after Holder's departure from the band in 1992, being of the opinion that Slade was all four of them or nothing. He entered the property business in 1993 and went on to study psychotherapy in 1997 although he did not take it up as a career.
In 1994, he released the single "Hello Goodbye" under the name Gang of Angels, and a reworking of "Coz I Luv You" twice; under the names "The X Specials" and "Jimbo feat Bull". In 1998, he began writing and recording new material, and released the single "I'll Be John, You Be Yoko" in 2000, under the name Whild.
In 2001, he was awarded the Gold Badge of Merit by the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters.
Social Network
Jim Lea maintains a presence on several social media platforms, where he connects with fans and shares insights into his life and work. He can be found on Instagram and Twitter, where he posts updates about his music, engagements, and glimpses of his personal life. However, he tends to keep his profiles relatively private, sharing curated content that reflects his artistic journey.
In late 1983, Lea's bandmate Noddy Holder joined him in record production. Together they produced Girlschool's cover of the T-Rex song "20th Century Boy" and the album Play Dirty which featured two Slade tracks "Burning in the Heat of Love" and "High and Dry".
The "High and Dry" track was originally written for Girlschool but still appeared on Slade's album that same year. Lea also produced the Holder/Lea penned "Simple Love" for the actress and model Sue Scadding. Released by Speed Records and with Lea's brother, Frank on drums, the single failed to achieve any commercial success.
Initially the song was intended for Slade but no version by the band is known to exist. The B-side was another Holder and Lea composition, "Poland", which Lea released as a single himself the year before under the name Greenfields of Tong. In 1984, Lea also produced an album for singer / actor Gary Holton.
Lea also played all the instruments (except drums, played by Geoff Seopardi) on two singles from the album; Holton's cover version of "Catch a Falling Star" and "That's How the Story Goes". Neither achieved any success. In 1985, Lea released his only solo single under his own name entitled "Citizen Kane".
Written by both Holder and Lea, it featured Holder on backing vocals.
Education
While specific details about Jim Lea's educational background remain scarce, it is known that he developed his musical talent at a young age. His passion for music led him to form bands in his teenage years, ultimately paving the way for his successful career. Jim's dedication to continual learning and growth in the music industry reflects the values instilled in him during his foundational years.
Lea aged 16 went for auditions for a local band, 'The 'N Betweens', of which drummer Don Powell, guitarist Dave Hill and vocalist Johnny Howells were already members. He was accepted and left school immediately. When Noddy Holder joined soon after, the foundations for Slade had been laid. Howells later left the band.
In December 1966, the 'N' Betweens signed to EMI and their first single "You Better Run" was produced by Kim Fowley.
