Legendary Voices: 4) Kiyoshiro Imawano

Imawano’s career spanned nearly four decades, from his debut with legendary rock band RC Succession in 1970, up until his recent death this past spring. After the breakup of RC Succession in the early 1990’s he became a successful solo artist. Imawano was known for his flamboyant looks and stage presence, as well as his innovative use of the Japanese language. He was often known as “Japan’s King of Rock.” (Due to his over-the-top personality, I’ve even heard him referred to as the “Japanese James Brown.”)

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