Career
Born in Stuttgart, West Germany, James is of Panamanian and African-American descent. Throughout his childhood, James would sing regularly, but never in public. He eventually moved to New York where he was influenced by his aunt Rosie Gaines, a former singer for Prince (musician), Prince. His love for the album ''Purple Rain (album), Purple Rain'' landed him in a studio at the age of 19. His skills as a songwriter began with the song "Portrait", leading up to a credit on the single "Miguel discography, Use Me" by R&B singer Miguel (singer), Miguel after forming a bond with him on MySpace. James performed in and around New York with artists such as Luke James (singer), Luke James and Wynter Gordon. In 2013 he released his first EP, a three-part entitled ''Coke, Jack and Cadillacs''. Each part represented important themes in his life - first love, first drink, first car. The EP featured songs that included "A.D.I.D.A.S." and "Pledge Allegiance". It also featured Asher Roth on the song "Lisa". James signed with ByStorm Entertainment/RCA Records in 2015 and subsequently released "Permission", his first single from a major record label, reaching number 37 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. His debut album, ''Eldorado'' was released May 27, 2016. It debuted at number 71 on the US Billboard 200, ''Billboard'' 200 and at number eight on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. It subsequently earned him his first nomination for Best R&B Performance at the 59th Grammy Awards in February 2017.Discography
Albums
EPs
Singles
Tours
Headlining tour
XIX Tour (2017)Co-headlining tour
The R&B Tour (with BJ The Chicago Kid) (2018)Notes
References
External links
* {{DEFAULTSORT:James, Ro Living people RCA Records artists Musicians from Stuttgart German rhythm and blues musicians English-language singers from Germany African-American male singer-songwriters Year of birth missing (living people) German emigrants to the United States