Boney James (born James Oppenheim, September 1, 1961, in Lowell, Massachusetts) is a contemporary jazz saxophonist who has consistently placed at the top of the Contemporary Jazz Charts since his leader debut with 1992’s Trust. His sound is known for being grittier and more muscular than the genre usually embodies.
James, born James Oppenheim, grew up in New Rochelle, New York, and studied clarinet at eight, later switching to saxophone. At age 15, his family moved to Los Angeles, where he began playing in a fusion band called Line One that was strong enough to open for Flora Purim and the Yellowjackets. He earned a degree in history from UCLA but became a full-time musician after graduation, doubling on keyboards.
In 1985, James went on the road as a keyboardist with Morris Day. He spent four years with Day and became an in-demand sideman, playing with Randy Crawford, Sheena Easton, the Isley Brothers, Bobby Caldwell, and many others before going solo.
James has received four Grammy nominations, RIAA gold-certified albums, and millions of sales. His unique meld of soul-jazz, R&B, funk, and pop have come to define the sound of 21st-century contemporary jazz. Albums such as 1999’s Body Language, 2004’s Pure, and 2015’s Futuresoul have influenced an entire generation of artists.
In 2020, James released his album Solid, featuring 11 self-penned compositions, including the single “Be Here,” with Kenny Lattimore providing vocals. The album debuted at #10 on the Billboard Current Pop Albums Chart.
James remains a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene, with his unique sound and influence on the genre solidifying his place in music history. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.
