“My friend Jim Gaines passed away . He produced the very first and the most albums for Ruf Records, was instrumental in the US Comback of Luther Allison, introduced me to Walter Trout, produced Bernard Allison , Joanne Shaw Taylor, Devon Allman, Royal Southern Brotherhood and many more. He was a door opener for me when I first started the Label  and put my foot on the Ground of the US market. He is a beautyful Soul and was an amazing Motivator to get the best out of an Artist and always the southern Gentleman in his ways of dealing with people. Rest in Peace Brother Jim – u are greatly missed . But you will live on in my Heart and my Memories and in the Music we created together.”

– Thomas Ruf