Artist description With a background steeped in history and a voice molded in tradition, Kevin James is approaching a country music singing career with much the same mind set as his ancestor, Jesse James, approached a train robbery – with relentless pursuit. Unlike Jesse, Kevin doesn’t carry a gun, but he does carry a tune and his vocal ability is opening the doors that are allowing him to enter the vaults of success.Kevin, a native of Northeast Texas, is a fifth generation Texan. Both his grandfathers were musicians; his maternal grandfather played fiddle and sang “sacred harp” gospel music and his paternal grandfather played guitar and performed with Ernest Tubb when Tubb toured West Texas in the 40s and 50s. His mother worked for Jim Reeves at KGRI radio in Henderson, Texas and Reeve’s influence is evident in what Kevin’s fans call his “Texas Velvet” voice.Like many major artists, Kevin started singing in church and school programs. His skill as a singer progressed to the point where he received invitations to perform at local fairs, Oprys, jamborees and festivals. He was twice a finalist at the state level in the “Tru-Value Hardware / Jimmy Dean Country Showdown” talent competition. He made several television appearances including the award-winning show “Good Morning Texas” in Dallas and performed at “The World’s Biggest Honky Tonk,” Billy Bob’s in Ft. Worth.The local recognition quickly turned national with Kevin making appearances on stages in eight states including the country music capitols of Branson, MO and Nashville, TN. He was selected to open shows for artists such as Joe Diffie, LeAnn Rimes, John Conlee and Eddy Raven. His love of traditional country music and his smooth style garnered him several guest appearances on WSM’s live national radio broadcast of the “Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree” from Nashville. In 1996 Kevin was the first country artist signed to CQK Records in Dallas as a singer and songwriter. That fall he released a Christmas album which received airplay and accolades all across the US and Europe. As a result, he was later named to the International Who’s Who in Popular Music.In 1997, Kevin released a patriotic single titled, “True Americans.” The song not only received airplay nationally, but also was recognized by both the President and Vice President of the United States. He was asked to perform “True Americans” at several veterans’ events, including a memorial for war hero Audie Murphy by special request of the Murphy family.In 1998, Kevin began putting songs together for a new album. He wanted to create a special blend of classic country hits and originals, and while staying true to his country roots, he wanted to make the album appealing to all age groups. He also felt compelled to write a song about Texas and his fellow Texans, so he took an idea to two co-writers, CQK Records president Mary Dawson and Cheryl Bocanegra, and they composed a song called “Generation Tex.” After recording the song, they entered it in The Nashville Network’s Songwriting Contest where it placed fifth out of 13,000 entries.Kevin’s success continued to grow in the Dallas / Ft. Worth area in 1998, where he was asked by a Dallas radio station to perform at The Ballpark in Arlington opening for Joe Diffie. With 67,000 people in attendance, Kevin added another large group of fans to his already growing fan-base. Kevin performance was so well-received he was asked to return in 1999 to open for The Kinleys where he again wowed a crowd of 70,000.As the new millennium began Kevin put the final touches on his new album, “Generations” and following its release in October he began getting immediate positive feedback worldwide. At one point seven songs from the album were on the European charts at the same time. Early response indicates the project is going to be another success “notch” in this James boy’s gun.

Musical Influences Jim Reeves, Nat King Cole, Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond.

Similar Artists Jim Reeves, Colin Raye, Vince Gill, Ricky Van Shelton.

Artist History In early 1998, Kevin began work on his current album. He wanted to create a special blend of classic country hits and originals, and while staying true to his country roots, he wanted to make the album appealing to all age groups. He also felt compelled to write a song about Texas and his fellow Texans, so he took an idea to two co-writers, CQK Records president Mary Dawson and Cheryl Bocanegra, and they composed a song called "Generation Tex." After recording the song early in 1998, they entered it in The Nashville Network’s Songwriting Contest where it placed fifth out of 13,000 entries.

Albums Generations

Press Reviews "The Nashville Newsletter Record Review"Some of the best music coming out of Nashville is not on any of the major labels. In fact, artists who issue product on small independent labels have more freedom of choice. We don't believe any major label consultant or committee would have okayed Kevin James' song selection for his new GENERATIONS album. He mixes classic Jim Reeves with his own originals along with songs from both well known and unknown writers. Every song is a surprise and a delight. Producer Dick McVey says "It was Kevin's intention to record an album where the themes and music would transcend all generations and he spent many hours making sure the songs and themes did exactly that." The selections range from "Faded Love" ("I remember my grandfather playing this song," Kevin says)to Sonny Bono's "I Got You Babe" (reinvented as a country duet with Lisa Fletcher). The album ends with a hauntingly beautiful version of "The Serenity Prayer." This song was written by Mary Dawson and Bruce Greer and is based on the famous prayer used by Alcoholics Anonymous. Kevin dedicates this song to "anyone facing recovery, whatever it may be." The album is dedicated to the memory of his mother who passed away recently. Kevin says "she encouraged a shy, scared, lisping little boy to follow his dream of being a singer. For years on Saturday nights, sometimes wondering how we would get home as poor as we were, we would pack a cooler with sandwiches, load up my little car and hit the road singing, traveling to any and every place that would give me an opportunity...she taught me never to quit."The cd contains two songs written by James which reveal a strong songwriting talent. One of them, "Generation Tex" (co-written with Mary Dawson and Cheryl Bocanegra) placed 5th among 13,000 entries in The Nashville Network's Songwriting Contest.

Location Greenville, Texas - USA

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