Music & Movie Mojo! Who Is Keith James?

Contributed by: Desiree Sanders

On a rainy Friday night, I decided to venture out to the Hard Rock Cafe to attend a listening party for songwriter- turned-singer Keith James.

While outside was cool and damp, inside was warm with radiant energy and positive vibrations. The evening was titled "Who is Keith James?" I, too,wanted an answer to that question. 

Officially, Keith is a multi-platinum songwriter who has co-written for the likes of Nicki Minaj, Wale, Jeremih, and others. Born and raised on Chicago's South Side, James started performing at the age of nine, singing in his church choir and playing the saxophone. 

As I entered the cafe' filled with friends, family, and fans, Keith was stepping on stage to enthusiastic cheers and applause! 

He started the set off with the first single off the From the Grey-EP, "Button". Button is an uptempo song that asks the question "What is your button?" You know, what's that thing that does it for you?  It's it drinking, good times,  money, fame, cars, or clothes?

Next was "Not My Day." In this, James sings about how missing the one you love can throw off your day's equilibrium. Tales of how things can go wrong when your head is discombobulated. He says "folks will hurt you and down your worth,but don't let them take you out! " He surmises "maybe it's not their day!" The lesson here is to shake it off,  It might not be your day, but it's not the end of the world either. 

During a brief interlude with his audience, he talked about his various musical influences. James says he was influenced by 90' s R&B and old school soul singers. One singer in particular was Bill Withers. James surprised the audience with his rendition of Withers' "Use Me."  He had the house on their feet singing and swaying with that one.

This was followed by the "feel good" song "Peace."  In it James ponders the question what gives us peace. He looks at the state of humanity and concludes people need healing. Something that is brought about when we change our hearts.

James rounded out the evening  with two songs that you can tell were near and dear to him. "Treat Her Like A Lady", which was dedicated to his soul mate--his lovely wife--who was there (front and center) beaming with much well deserved pride. Last, but not least, was "Phillip's Song", which felt like a candid conversation between father and son about the lessons life will teach you. Life will have its ups and downs, but don't ever give up!

Keith James and Desiree Sanders

So, the question was answered. 

Who is Keith James, you ask?

Keith James is a husband, father, philosopher, songwriter, singer, and most of all, a shining star with a bright future ahead.

To learn more about Keith James connect with him at www.whoiskeithjames.com.

Peace!

Desiree Sanders is the former owner of Afrocentric Bookstores. Ms. Sanders is currently working with community gardening projects bringing fresh, whole foods to each neighborhood. She and her family reside in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood.

Photo credits:  Keith James cover photo courtesy of Keith James

All other photos: Courtesy of Desiree Sanders for C-Style Magazine