Jim Simpson was a musician who played jazz trumpet. He was also the
manager of a Brummie band named 'Bakerloo Blues Band'. Unable to find a place
where he could promote the band, he opened his own place called "Henry's
Blueshouse". Henry's, located at Hill Street and Station Road was an
instant success. It wasn't before long before the club had to stop accepting new
bands. A band that was just starting out, Led Zeppelin, would also be one of the
first bands to play Henry's. In 1969, the four members of Earth approached Jim
and asked if they could play at Henry's. They also wanted him to be their
manager since they knew nothing of the business sense of things. He told them
that they could open for the band 'Ten Years After', which pleased them. Happy
to have a manager who supposedly cared for their interests, they recorded a song
in tribute to him, "Song for Jim". The song was a spoof of their
manager and the jazz music he played. This elusive song is still sought after by
Sabbath fans worldwide. Simpson would also give the band some of his jazz
records to inspire them to write songs. It is of interest to mention that around
this time, Tony left to join Jethro Tull. While Tony did not appear on any of
Tull's albums, he did make an appearance at the "Rolling Stone's Rock and
Roll Circus" which was never released, because the Stones were upstaged by
other acts. Tony and Jethro can be heard on a bootleg called "Archangel
Rides Again". The movie was eventually released in the movie festival
circuit. Tony's stint with Jethro Tull was very brief (for two weeks). He left
Tull and was soon back in Earth.
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