Versatile Singer Available for Events, Jingles & More
“My style is one of smooth jazz with a pinch of R&B soul to enhance the musical flavor.”
1Mansho genres range from Jazz / Neo-Soul to R&B / Old School Classics. We also partner with professional production staff to provide quality music recordings, live concerts, and other vocalist talent and showcase-related services (i.e. music preparation, arrangements, etc.).
Frontman James Williams discovered his vocal talent simply by chance. He often describes himself as a foolish dreamer reverting back to his boyhood memories as a “shower singer”. Those experiences would often leave his 3 younger siblings spellbound as he performed old school 70s classics from their 4-room residence. As a young collegian, that discovery was also made by his Howard University cohorts, who encouraged him to audition on the college campus. That audition secured him a spot for Harlem New York’s Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in 1992. The warm reception that followed from this tough audience spawned new confidence for James, and he has been singing ever since.
Spanning almost two decades, James has been wowing audiences alongside local bands while performing numerous showcases with incredibly talented artists. His venues have ranged from The Player’s Lounge to the historic Lincoln Theater.
His greatest opportunity came in 2001 while performing a Stevie Wonder classic, Ribbon In The Sky at the Live in Las Vegas Leadership Summit. Channeling a crowd of more than 6,000 people, James received a standing ovation following his performance. Influences include Stevie Wonder, Peabo Bryson, Luther Vandross, Isaac Hayes, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Commodores, and his all-time favorite male vocal group, The Whispers (RIP Nicholas!!!).
Balancing family, a corporate IT career, a military veteran following a 31-year career in the Army, as well as a doctoral scholar-practitioner, certainly keep this artist very busy. While James usually prefers working behind the scenes, he now finds himself in front of an audience. When there is room for personal time, James enjoys physical fitness, listening to good music, and a front-row seat viewing Book TV (shout-out to CSPAN). James especially prides himself on his humility and remaining spiritually grounded. These attributes trace back to his native Ohio, where he credits his siblings, his mother (also a gifted singer), and his late grandparents who always believed in him and his success.
Above all, James recognizes - Through Christ: ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!