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United States Boney James is a four-time Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum selling saxophonist, known for his ability to fuse R&B influences with contemporary jazz. He has garnered a reputation for impactful collaborations and a consistently evolving sound.
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Request A ShowBoney James released his independently released 1992 debut album, "Trust," through Spindletop Records, which led to his major-label deal.
Following the success of his debut album "Trust," Boney James signed with Warner Brothers in 1994, where he released several RIAA Certified Gold Records.
Boney James moved to Concord Records in 2006 and has released several albums under this label, including "Shine," "Send One Your Love," "The Beat," "futuresoul," "Honestly," "Solid," "Detour," and "Slow Burn."
Boney James released his album "Contact" under The Verve Music Group, a division of UMG Recordings, in 2011.
Boney James collaborated with Jonathan Fritzén on the track "Magical," released on the album "Magical" under Nordic Night in 2012.
Boney James collaborated with Brian Simpson on the track "Persuasion" for Simpson's album of the same name, released under Shanachie Records in 2018.
Boney James featured on Peabo Bryson's track "Looking for Sade" from the album "Stand for Love," released under Perspective Records in 2019.
Boney James collaborated with Big Mike Hart on the track "Cigar Lounge" from the album "Modern Classic," released under Rhythm Section in 2024.
James Oppenheim, known professionally as Boney James, was born on September 1, 1961, in Lowell, Massachusetts. He began his musical journey at eight years old by playing the clarinet, later switching to saxophone at age ten. His early years in New Rochelle, New York, exposed him to the R&B Motown genre, deeply influencing his musical style, alongside the work of saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. After his family moved to Los Angeles when he was fourteen, James joined a fusion band, which opened for notable acts like Flora Purim and the Yellowjackets. While he earned a history degree from UCLA, his passion for music led him to pursue it full-time post-graduation.
In 1985, James joined Morris Day’s band, initiating a seven-year period as a sideman, touring and performing with artists such as The Isley Brothers, Bobby Caldwell, Randy Crawford, and Teena Marie. This extensive experience solidified his R&B foundation and honed his skills as a performer. During a tour with Randy Crawford in 1986, he acquired his distinctive nickname, ‘Boney,’ from a bandmate. His professional interactions led to a collaboration with engineer and producer Paul Brown in the early 1990s, marking the beginning of a significant ten-year partnership.
His debut album, “Trust,” was independently released in 1992 through Spindletop Records. The album’s success propelled him to sign with Warner Brothers in 1994, where he released RIAA Certified Gold Records including “Seduction,” “Sweet Thing,” and “Body Language.” James began co-producing his albums in 1997, taking on the role of sole producer for his Grammy-nominated album “Pure” in 2003. In 2006, he transitioned to Concord Records, releasing “Shine,” which achieved his highest Billboard Pop Chart position to date. His dedication to his craft has resulted in accumulating four RIAA Certified Gold Records, over four million album sales, and numerous chart-topping albums.
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