Rick Bernard James / Singer

Rick Bernard James, born October 23, in Monroe, Louisiana, grew up as an “Air Force brat”, moving from coast to coast and overseas, totally oblivious to any musical or singing talent.  While attending Langston University, a HBCU in Oklahoma, a wondrous gift was discovered and developed.    

Since that time, Mr. James has appeared on various television shows including “Showtime at the Apollo,” “Star Search”, and graced the stage of countless performance halls and ministries, both as a gifted vocalist and featured soloist of the renowned First Baptist Church of Hamilton Park Male Chorus, The Memphis Soul Band, and numerous other cover bands.  His renditions of classic gospel and R & B songs such as “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, “Perfect Praise”(How Excellent), “Let’s Stay Together”, “Superstar/Until You Come Back To Me”  have generated critical acclaim, established him as a solid balladeer and performer, for his fervent delivery, audience interaction, and rich first tenor voice.

In discovering his passion for Christ, he has recorded two independently produced and distributed gospel projects entitled “TODAY”, and “Tell Me About Him”; both projects capturing the versatility and power of this anointed singer songwriter.  His voice, coupled with a kind and humble spirit, has enabled him to perform for such dignitaries as Presidents’ Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush.  He has also performed with such artists as Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Patti Labelle, Mary-Mary, Marvin and Vickie Winians, Donnie McClurkin, Walter Hawkins, Rance Allen, and countless others.  He also gives lively performances with cover bands, namely “Memphis Soul”, a Motown/Memphis themed group, throughout the country.   

Rick Bernard James is also a very talented stage and film short actor, published songwriter, poet, devoted husband and father of four daughters.  Mr. James and his wife Tonya presently reside in Dallas, Texas, where they are active members of the First Baptist Church of Hamilton Park.

OTHER NOTABLE PERFORMANCES/INFORMATION:

Male Vocalist for local cover bands - Memphis Soul/Tin Man/Intensity/Moving Colors 2013 – Present

Potter’s House MEGAFEST Featured Guest Artist/Performer  – Family Expo   2013 & 2016

Fred Hammond’s Warehouse Worship Choir - Background Vocalist

JBA LIVE “Medicine” CD Project BGV & Soloist – “Deeper Righteousness’  2010

Walter Hawkins/Daryl Coley/Rance Allen Tribute -  Soloist -  The Black Academy of Arts & Letters

Barack Obama - National Anthem Singer - D/FW Campaign Rallies

Independent Solo CD Projects Release “Today” & “Tell Me About Him”

MLK Freedom Road Celebration -  UPN 21 Televised Program

First Baptist Hamilton Park Male Chorus – Member/Soloist

Christian Artist Talent Search Finalist

Urban Alternative Bible Conference – Featured Artist - Pastor Tony Evans

Steeple Award Winner – Best Male Vocalist

Stellar Awards Gospel Star Search – Dallas Regional Winner & Finalist

GMWA -  New Songwriter & Presenter Recognition for “TODAY”

Star Search Semi Finalist * 8 Time Winner/ Showtime At The Apollo: Amateur Night – 4 Time Winner

Dallas Black Expo -  Featured Performer

National Anthem Singer -   Dallas Cowboys ▪ Dallas Mavericks ▪ Texas Rangers ▪ Dallas Stars

Emmitt & Pat Smith’s Wedding – Soloist

STAGE PLAYS/SHORT FILMS

Shouting Sister (2014) – Male Lead – Pastor  ;  Forever King(2010) -  Male Lead  - Joseph            Mirror Mirror (2010) -  Male Lead – Minister   ;    Diaries of a Barefoot Diva (2008) -  Male Lead

Fatbacks & Collard Greens (2007) -  Male Lead ; Videos: Ain’t No Mountain / Bad / Stand By Me

  Youtube.com: Male Chorus How Excellent; Facebook.com/Frederick Whitaker post 2/24/16 In Memory Post of “Stand”