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Survivor frontman Jimi Jamison died of stroke, drugs

An autopsy report shows that Jimi Jamison, the lead singer on Survivor hits such as "Burning Heart" and "Is This Love," died of a stroke with methamphetamine intoxication.

The report released Tuesday by the Shelby County medical examiner says the 63-year-old Jamison died Sept. 1 at a home in Memphis.

The autopsy says Jamison had cardiovascular disease and narrowing of the arteries. It had been believed that Jamison died of a heart attack.

The report says he died of a hemorrhagic brain stroke, with "acute methamphetamine intoxication contributing."

Jamison joined Survivor in 1984, after it had already become known for "Eye of the Tiger," the theme song to the Sylvester Stallone film "Rocky III." Jamison replaced vocalist Dave Bickler.

Jamison, who also was a member of Target and Cobra, also co-wrote and sang "I'm Always Here," the theme to "Baywatch."

Prior to Survivor, Jamison fronted the band Cobra. He also sang backup vocals for ZZ Top and Joe Walsh.

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