Boney James is a celebrated American saxophonist known for his innovative blend of contemporary jazz, soul, R&B, and funk. With a career spanning over three decades, he has released 19 studio albums, garnered multiple Grammy nominations, and solidified his status as a defining figure in modern jazz music.
Boney James, born James Oppenheim on September 1, 1961, in Lowell, Massachusetts, is a prominent American saxophonist, recording artist, songwriter, and record producer. Over the past three decades, he has become one of the most successful and influential figures in contemporary jazz.
James grew up in New Rochelle, New York, where he began his musical journey at age 8, initially studying clarinet before switching to saxophone at age 10. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was 15, where he began playing in a fusion band called Line One, opening for notable acts such as Flora Purim and the Yellowjackets.
After earning a history degree from UCLA, James pursued music full-time, beginning his professional career in 1985 as a keyboardist for Morris Day. He spent four years with Day and became an in-demand sideman, playing with artists such as Randy Crawford, Sheena Easton, the Isley Brothers, Bobby Caldwell, and Teena Marie.
James launched his solo career in 1992 with his debut album Trust. He has since released 19 studio albums, with his most recent being Slow Burn in 2024. Many of his albums have reached #1 on Billboard's Jazz Albums Chart, with eleven of them achieving this feat.
His unique sound, blending elements of soul-jazz, R&B, funk, and pop, has come to define 21st-century contemporary jazz. James has consistently placed at the top of the Contemporary Jazz Charts since his debut.
James has collaborated with numerous artists, including:
James is married to actress and director Lily Mariye. In 2012, he contributed an original score to her directorial feature film debut, Model Minority.
The nickname "Boney" originated during a 1987 European tour with vocalist Randy Crawford. Due to low pay, James joked about saving money by not eating, leading his bandmates to call him "Boney."
James's sound is known for being grittier and more muscular than typical contemporary jazz. He was influenced by the R&B Motown genre and saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. His unique blend of soul-jazz, R&B, funk, and pop has influenced an entire generation of artists.
In summary, Boney James has established himself as a cornerstone of contemporary jazz, with a career spanning over three decades, numerous accolades, and a distinctive sound that continues to shape the genre.
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