Rick Bernard James was born October 23, in Monroe, Louisiana. He grew up in an Air Force family moving from coast to coast and overseas. His parents Zola and Jessie James Jr., nurtured his love of sports, but were seemingly oblivious to any musical or singing talent. James initially attended high school in Lakenheath, England until his family was reassigned to Enid, Oklahoma where he graduated.

James continued his education and entered Langston University (www.lunet.edu), a historically black university located in Oklahoma. While a freshman, James earned a full scholarship, as a wide receiver for the Lions Football team, and subsequently became a Team Captain and Pre-season All American. He pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. in his sophomore year and oddly enough sang publicly for the first time shortly thereafter. It was at this time his musical gift and talent for singing and writing was realized; soon becoming a local program and talent show favorite

A few years after graduating from Langston, James relocated to Dallas, Texas, where performing under the name “Rick James”, won a talent contest sponsored by a local radio station-100.3 Jams and Russ Parr. The winner received an all expense paid trip to New York City to perform on the television show “Showtime at the Apollo” during their amateur night segment. After winning the last two shows of the season, the producers of “Star Search” caught his performances and offered him an opportunity to appear on their show. James’ successfully competed winning eight consecutive weeks culminating in the semi-finals.

Since that time Rick Bernard James discovered his passion for God, while further developing his performing and creative versatility in several areas of the arts. Initially performing and recording with the First Baptist Church of Hamilton Park Male Chorus. Most notably, his rendition of the classic songs “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” and “Perfect Praise” (How Excellent), drew critical acclaim and created a solid local following for his fervent delivery and rich tenor voice. James is also a gifted actor, securing primary roles in movie short films; “Sara” and “Presents”; also starring in several traveling gospel plays, including: “Tell Pharaoh”, “Fatbacks & Collard Greens”, “I Need You Now” and others; taking on character roles including everything from a drunkard, an abusive husband, to a street panhandling elderly man.

Rick in 2002 recorded his first independently produced and distributed solo gospel project entitled, “TODAY”. Penning five of the songs for the project, James received critical praise for its content and anointed ministry through song. The title track “Today” was selected by the GMWA, and James was honored as a new songwriter. Now here in 2007, he has recorded his sophomore project “Tell Me About Him” which is scheduled for release in October. This new release includes 9 original songs written by James, and is destined to bring national attention to this very versatile, gifted and anointed gospel artist and performer. His talent, kind spirit and humility have enabled him to perform and share the stage with such artists as Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Marvin & Vickie Winians, Karen Clark-Sheard, T.D. Jakes, Shirley Ceasar, Erica Badu, Oleta Adams, Peabo Bryson, Stephanie Mills, James Ingram, Patti Austin, Albatina Walker, Clifton Davis and many others.

Rick Bernard James and his wife Tonya of eighteen years presently reside in Dallas, Texas, and are active members of the First Baptist Church of Hamilton Park. They have four daughters, Jillian, Kaila, Mia, and Taylor. James is also an advocate for youth mentoring programs focusing on under privileged or single parent young men and women. He loves participating in all manner of competitive sports, chess, and of course enjoying time spent being silly with his wife, children, and friends.