Jimmy Bear or James Cheney(B.A.Dip.Ed) as he is really called began life as a High School Teacher in Perth WA, he taught music languages and english until coming to Sydney in 1985 to pursue his dream of being able to make a living just as a songwriter and live performance musician.

Since then he has been signed to international publishing companies E.M.I and Polygram.

Been nominated for an Aria Award for Best Songwriter.

Played lead guitar for american blues legend Bo Diddley at the Entertainment Centre.

Was chosen to record the official fundraising album in 1998 for the Red Nose Charity. This album featured all top aussie musos with Jimmy Bear as songwriter and singer.