Jay James is one of the UK’s most exciting famous singers, best-known for reaching the live finals of the X Factor in 2014/15.
The moment his first audition was broadcast, Jay was thrust into the spotlight and he rapidly amassed a significant following both nationally and internationally as an exciting, emerging X Factor contestant.
During the show, music mogul Simon Cowell described Jay as ‘amazing’ and a ‘genius’. He even said: ‘that is how you do it’ following his unbelievable performance. The singer-songwriter sailed through the initial stages, even reducing the notoriously steel-faced Mel B to tears during his very first audition.
Jay’s talent is raw and every word he sings comes from the heart; he sees music as a method of expressing himself. In fact, it was an unfortunate set of circumstances that prompted Jay to discover his real passion in life. Formerly a Royal Navy Fitness Instructor, he was badly injured and forced to take sick leave after 9 years of service.
He picked up a guitar he had purchased 3 months previously as part of a wager with a friend and began to write his own music. He was subsequently scouted by DECCA Records and was placed on the Royal Navy Role Model Scheme, the first musician to be awarded this incredible accolade.
He went on to work with some of the most highly-regarded writers and producers in the music industry, subsequently releasing his debut album, Play It By Heart in 2012 and achieving a number two in the Radio 1 R&B charts with his debut single, Long May They Roll.
Jay developed a mentor relationship with Booker T. Jones, a Grammy Lifetime Award winner and went on to support Jessie J, Simply Red and Rebecca Ferguson on their respective tours. As a hugely talented songwriter, Jay has written for and collaborated with the likes of Beyoncé, John Legend and The Jonas Brothers and has gone on to become one of the greatest singers for hire in the country.
He was invited to appear in the 2015 X Factor live tour after his popularity soared. He played to over 300,000 people at the live shows across the biggest arenas and venues in the UK and Ireland. After the 23 dates, Jay returned to focus on his own original music, as well as writing and producing for some big names in rhythm and blues.
