Bob James
Legendary jazz keyboardist, arranger and producer who’s illustrious career spans decades.
Bob James // Website
Bob James is a renowned American jazz keyboardist, arranger, and record producer, born on December 25, 1939, in Marshall, Missouri. He has enjoyed a prolific and successful career, spanning over six decades, collaborating with notable musicians, releasing numerous hit albums, and founding the popular jazz band Fourplay.
In the early 1960s, James attended the University of Michigan, where he studied music theory and composition. During this time, he formed a jazz trio and played at local venues. In 1963, he was discovered by Quincy Jones at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival and soon recorded his first solo album, "Bold Conceptions," for Mercury Records.
Throughout the 1960s, James continued to develop his musical style, blending elements of jazz, classical, and pop music. He collaborated with various artists, including Sarah Vaughan, Quincy Jones, and Maynard Ferguson. In 1974, James released his breakthrough album, "One," which included the hit single "Feel Like Making Love."
During the 1970s and 1980s, James released a series of successful albums and collaborated with a range of artists, including David Sanborn, Earl Klugh, and Grover Washington Jr. In 1990, James co-founded the contemporary jazz group Fourplay, alongside Lee Ritenour, Nathan East, and Harvey Mason. The group has released numerous albums and earned several Grammy nominations.
Over the course of his career, Bob James has won multiple awards, including two Grammy Awards and an NAACP Image Award. He has composed music for film and television, with his most famous composition being the theme song for the television show "Taxi."
Today, Bob James continues to record, perform, and collaborate with other artists, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential and versatile figures in contemporary jazz.
Every artist has been specially selected for this Somma cruise. This is a once in a lifetime experience that will be sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime!