"Jim Rollins is a singer of soft sensibilities...a pianist of light and lively hands...especially sensitive"
Pianist, vocalist, bandleader and composer, Jim Rollins, is a native Chicago south-sider. He began playing piano at the age of two, singing at the age of nine. He began his professional career while still a student at Northwestern University, singing and dancing ~ even ice skating! ~ his way into the hearts of millions in the productions shows at Six Flags Over Mid America in St. Louis, Missouri. After college, he went on to perform as keyboardist and featured vocalist with "The Galen Show", performing in Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe and Nashville, as well as touring extensively throughout the United States, the Caribbean and Canada.
In August of 1986, Jim began a 13-1/2 year run as performer, bandleader and music director at the world famous Pump Room Restaurant in Chicago. During his tenure, he received critical acclaim and notoriety, as well as being dubbed "Chicago's Entertainer to the Stars", performing for such celebrities as Liza Minnelli, Jim Belushi, Eddie Murphy, Michael Jordan, Jimmy Webb, John Travolta, and Samuel Ramey, to name only a few. He has been hired by Oprah Winfrey to play for private functions she has hosted. On seven different occasions, Jim Rollins and his Band gave command performances for the Chairman of the Board himself, Frank Sinatra, when Ol' Blue Eyes held court into the wee small hours of the morning at the Pump Room's famous Booth One.
In 1997, Rollins released his debut CD, "Photographs on the Walls of the Pump Room", a concept CD honoring the Pump Room which he arranged and produced. The fully orchestrated CD beautifully displays Rollins' warm, rich and varied vocal talents. It includes a variety of styles, all of which reflect the many moods of the Pump Room. From lush big band arrangements to cabaret to adult-contemporary ~ including 4 original songs ~ the CD utilizes some of the finest arrangers, musicians and recording facilities in the United States.
Since leaving the Pump Room in 2000, Jim Rollins has been a venerable mainstay at many of Chicago's famous hot spots, including Catch 35, Ruth's Chris and Gibsons Steakhouse.
Besides his club work, Jim also collaborates with some of Chicago's finest talent. His ensemble shows include: "LeGrand Night -- A Tribute to Michel LeGrand", (staged at Maxim's Chicago, in association with the Chicago Cultural Center and the Wilmette Theater); "Une Grande Reunion", a French revue with Elizabeth Doyle (staged at Uncommon Ground); "A Tribute to Peter Allen" (staged at Maxim's Chicago, in association with the Chicago Cultural Center). Jim sings fluently in French and Spanish.
