In the late 1950s, and early 1960s he was a member of The Bluetones, the biggest band in St Albans at the time. Later, although he did not become a band member at this stage, Rodford was instrumental in helping his younger cousin Rod Argent form The Zombies in 1964.
Rodford later joined the Mike Cotton Sound as bass guitarist.
Along with Rod Argent, Rodford was one of the founding members of Argent. When Rod Argent quit the band, the remaining three members (Rodford, Henrit and Verity) formed the short-lived band Phoenix. Eventually, Rodford joined The Kinks, as bassist, in 1978, and played with them until their final disintegration in 1996.
From 1999-2001, Rodford appeared in a band that ex-Animals guitarist Hilton Valentine formed, The Animals II, which also featured former Animals drummer John Steel and keyboardist Dave Rowberry. Rodford continued on with this band (which changed its working name to "The Animals and Friends" after Valentine left) until joining with Argent and Colin Blunstone in the revival of The Zombies.
Having never played with The Zombies in the 1960s, despite having been closely involved with them, he now plays bass with the band's reincarnation in the early years of the 21st century, with his son Steve on drums.
In 2008, Rodford joined The Kast Off Kinks, on the retirement of John Dalton, whom he had replaced in the Kinks.
Jim Rodford continues to be a significant figure in the local St Albans music scene in 2009 and regularly plays in "The Rodford Files" along with Steve Rodford (Blunstone/Argent band) on drums, Russ Rodford on guitar, and Derek Timms on guitar and vocals.
From Wikipedia
