GARNET MIMMS

Biography

Garnet Mimms, born Garrett Mimms on November 16, 1933, in Ashland, West Virginia, is a pioneering American soul and rhythm & blues singer whose emotive, gospel-infused vocal style helped shape the sound of 1960s soul. Raised in Philadelphia, Mimms began singing in church choirs and gospel groups such as the Evening Stars and the Harmonizing Four, which laid the foundation for his powerful, pleading vocal delivery. After an early stint with the Norfolk Four and military service, he returned to Philadelphia and formed the doo-wop group The Gainors in 1958, alongside Sam Bell and Howard Tate.

Mimms achieved national recognition as the lead singer of Garnet Mimms & The Enchanters, scoring a major hit in 1963 with 'Cry Baby,' a song later famously covered by Janis Joplin. The group’s collaboration with songwriters and producers Bert Berns and Jerry Ragovoy brought a new, uptown soul sound that blended Mimms’ gospel roots with contemporary R&B. After leaving The Enchanters in 1964, Mimms pursued a solo career, releasing several singles and albums that became staples of the British Northern soul scene. Despite stepping away from the music industry in the late 1960s to focus on ministry work, Mimms’ influence endured, and he returned to recording in the 2000s, releasing a gospel album in 2008.

Mimms' legacy is marked by his role as one of the earliest true soul singers, with a style that bridged gospel intensity and secular soul. His work has been celebrated by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation and continues to inspire generations of vocalists and soul enthusiasts.

Fun Facts

• Mimms' 1963 hit 'Cry Baby' was later covered by Janis Joplin, becoming a classic of both soul and rock music.
• He toured the UK in 1967 with Jimi Hendrix, reflecting his international appeal.
• After leaving the music industry, Mimms became a born-again Christian and dedicated himself to prison ministry.
• Mimms was honored with a Pioneer Award by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1999.

Associated Acts

• The Gainors (1958–1961)
• Garnet Mimms & the Enchanters
• Garnet Mimms & Truckin' Company

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Gospel Church Choirs - Early musical training and stylistic influence through participation in Philadelphia church choirs and gospel groups such as the Evening Stars and the Harmonizing Four. (Gospel performances (pre-1953)) [1940s–early 1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Sam Bell - Co-founded The Gainors and The Enchanters; frequent collaborator in vocal groups. (The Gainors, The Enchanters) [1958–1964]
• Howard Tate - Member of The Gainors; collaborated in early Philadelphia soul scene. (The Gainors) [1958–early 1960s]
• Bert Berns - Songwriter and producer; co-wrote and produced major hits including 'Cry Baby.' ('Cry Baby', United Artists recordings) [1963–1966]
• Jerry Ragovoy - Songwriter and producer; key architect of Mimms' signature sound. ('Cry Baby', 'I'll Take Good Care of You', United Artists recordings) [1963–1966]

Artists Influenced

• Janis Joplin - Covered Mimms' signature song 'Cry Baby,' bringing it to a new rock audience. ('Cry Baby' (1971, Pearl album)) [1970s]
• Northern Soul Artists (UK) - Mimms' records became cult favorites and dancefloor staples in the British Northern soul scene. ('It Was Easier to Hurt Her', 'As Long As I Have You', 'Looking For You') [1970s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. As Long As I Have You (Warm And Soulful)
2. Looking For You (Warm And Soulful)
3. Prove It To Me (Warm And Soulful)
4. As Long As I Have You (The Best Of Garnet Mimms: Cry Baby)
5. A Little Bit Of Soap (Warm And Soulful)
6. Look Away (Warm And Soulful)
7. I'll Take Good Care Of You (The Best Of Garnet Mimms: Cry Baby)
8. Tell Me Baby (Until You Were Gone)
9. It Was Easier To Hurt Her (Warm And Soulful)
10. I'll Take Good Care of You (Until You Were Gone)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #r&b, #soul