Ro James

Ro James
Birth name Ronnie James Tucker
Born Stuttgart, Germany
Origin New York City
Genres R&B
Labels ByStorm Entertainment, RCA Records

Ronnie James Tucker (known by his stage name Ro James) is an American singer-songwriter. He is best known for his single Permission, which reached #13 on the Adult R&B Songs chart.[1] He is signed to ByStorm Entertainment/RCA Records and scheduled to release El Dorado, his first album under a major label, in 2016.

Early life

James was born in Stuttgart, Germany, while his military father was stationed in the country.[2] He stayed with his grandmother in New York until his mother finished school in Germany, later moving to California prior to his brother being born. James moved around during the rest of his childhood, living in locations such as Oklahoma, Hawaii, and Indianapolis, Indiana.[2]

His military father, turned preacher, instilled gospel music on James which led to his influences of people like Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, and Donnie Hathaway.[2] The rebellious side of James also chose to listen to influences such as Tupac, Johnny Cash, and David Bowie.[2]

Career

Throughout his childhood, James would sing regularly, but never in public.[2] He eventually moved to New York where he was influenced by his aunt, a former singer for Prince.[3] His love for the album Purple Rain landed him in a studio at the age of 19.[3] His skills as a songwriter began with the song Portrait, leading up to a credit on the single Use Me by R&B singer Miguel[4] after forming a bond with him on MySpace.[5]

James performed in and around New York with artists such as Luke James and Wynter Gordon. In 2013 he released his first EP, a three-part entitled Coke, Jack and Cadillacs. Each part represented important themes in his life - first love, first drink, first car.[2] The WP featured songs that included A.D.I.D.A.S. and Pledge Allegiance. It also featured Asher Roth on the song Lisa.[6]

James signed with ByStorm Entertainment/RCA Records in 2015 and subsequently released Permission, his first single from a major record label, reaching #13 on the Adult R&B Songs chart.[1] He is scheduled to release his debut album in 2016. Titled El Dorado, the album is inspired by what James refers to as the "city of gold" (New York City).

Discography

Albums

Title Details Peak chart position
US
El Dorado —

EPs

Title Details Peak chart position
US
Coke, Jack, and Cadillacs
  • Released: 2013
  • Label: Independent
  • Format:
—

Singles

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
Adult R&B Songs[1]
"Permission" 2015 13 Non-Album Single

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Ro James chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Platon, Adelle (15 January 2016). "R&B Bad Boy Ro James On His Influences & Upcoming Debut 'El Dorado'". Billboard. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  3. 1 2 "New Artist Spotlight: Ro James". Urban Bridgez. 30 January 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  4. ↑ Leight, Elias (25 November 2014). "jade de LaFleur, '405' Featuring Ro James". Billboard. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  5. ↑ "Ro James Discusses Upcoming EP And Working With Miguel". Vibe. 9 April 2013. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  6. ↑ Platon, Adelle (17 December 2016). "Ro James Makes Magic on Sexy Jam 'Already Knew That'". Billboard. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Friday, April 29, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.