Jim

James Edward Olliges Jr., known professionally as Jim James or Yim Yames, was born on April 27, 1978, in Louisville, Kentucky. He grew up in the Highlands–Douglass neighborhood, attending St. Martha grade school and graduating from St. Xavier High School in 1996. He briefly attended the University of Kentucky. Before forming My Morning Jacket, James was the vocalist and guitarist for several Louisville bands, including Hotel Roy and Month of Sundays. His career progressed significantly as the primary songwriter, vocalist, frontman, and producer for My Morning Jacket, a role that shaped the band’s distinctive sound. In 2006, Esquire magazine awarded him an “Esky” for best songwriter.

Throughout his career, James has engaged in various projects beyond My Morning Jacket. In 2008, he established his record label, Removador Recordings and Solutions, alongside former My Morning Jacket guitarist and cousin Johnny Quaid. The label aimed to deliver “aural joy” to investors. In 2009, he released the EP “Tribute To,” covering George Harrison songs, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. That same year, James joined Conor Oberst, M. Ward, and Mike Mogis to form the supergroup Monsters of Folk, releasing a self-titled album. He also contributed vocals to The Decemberists’ album “The Hazards of Love” in 2009, and My Morning Jacket appeared in an episode of “American Dad!”

James debuted his solo full-length album, “Regions of Light and Sound of God,” in 2013 on ATO Records. In 2014, he recorded for “Lost on the River: The New Basement Tapes,” a compilation of unreleased Bob Dylan songs produced by T-Bone Burnett, alongside artists such as Elvis Costello and Marcus Mumford. He continued his solo work with albums like “Eternally Even” (2016) and “Uniform Distortion” (2018). James has also collaborated with the Louisville Orchestra, co-writing a suite of songs performed in 2018. His contributions extend to guest appearances on other artists’ albums and participation in documentaries. James has openly discussed his past struggles with depression and alcoholism, finding healing through therapy, quitting alcohol, and exploring psychedelic therapies, including ayahuasca and ketamine treatments.