Hailing from Adelaide South Australia, Jim's musical journey began at the age of 4 years when he sang Frankie Laine’s song Mule Train and by the age of 15 years commenced his professional career in September 1961.
As lead guitarist with the top Adelaide band, “Nozmo King,” (1967-70) Jim performed at the top Clubs, and Venues, in Adelaide and South Australia, appeared regularly on the music television shows, and the top night-time variety shows of the day.
Jim was soon backing lead guitarist to Australia’s top recording stars, John Farnham, Billy Thorpe, Ronnie Burns, Denise Drysdale, Marty Rhone, etc., on concert tours early in their careers.
Jim has performed across Australia, the United States, and South East Asia over his musical career. He is renowned for his dynamic rock’n’roll and lead guitar playing and has performed with Jerry Lee Lewis in Nashville and with Willie Nelson’s and Kris Kristofferson’s bands in Austin, Texas.
Jim Hermel has been inducted into the Barmera Hands of Fame, The Tamworth Hands Of Fame, and in 2021, the South Australian Music Hall Of Fame.
Jim's love of Country music and in particular Bluegrass has seen him help form the very successful and popular Runaway Dixie trio.