At the age of twelve, James knew he wanted to be a singer after seeing the Fabulous James Brown perform at the “Famous Apollo Theater. He was 15 years old when he formed his first show band in his hometown of Stamford, Ct. The band traveled between Boston and New York City regularly. When James turned eighteen, he left the road to pursue an acting career by joining The Sunrise Street Theater company in Stamford, and Negro Assemble Company of Harlem, Co-Founder the Great Cecily Tyson.  

Although still very young, he landed a job at the University of Connecticut, Stamford Branch as a part-time Drama instructor. The Dean of Stamford Branch noticing his talents presented James with a two-year scholarship to attend the School of Music & Fine Arts. James was told by Ms. Cecily Tyson, to leave the company and to pursue his college degree. While there, he was mentored by Professor Dr. Hale Smith, Jazz Composer, and received his vocal training under the direction of Dr. Andrew Frierson, of the Metropolitan Opera House, New York City. James eventually began to perform with The African American Male Opera Society of Harlem.  

During his junior year, he switched majors to attain his bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology.  Over the past thirty years, James has established himself as a vocalist and is still performing at least 3 to 4 times weekly. He has had the fortunate opportunities to work with Kool & The Gang,  Johnathan Butler, Joe Williams, George Duke, Marcus Miller, Marion Meadows, and many others.  James moved from Atlanta to Fort Myers four years ago, where he is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist.