Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Bob James is a foundational figure in contemporary jazz, known for his electric blend of piano virtuosity, soulful grooves, and genre-spanning collaborations. Born December 25, 1939 in Marshall, Missouri, he was discovered by Quincy Jones in 1962 and soon after recorded Bold Conceptions (Mercury, 1963). Over the decades, James helped shape the CTI sound as a producer and artist in the 1970s, contributed iconic themes like the Taxi theme "Angela," and co-founded Fourplay in 1991. His work spans jazz, pop, and fusion, and his tracks like "Nautilus" and "Take Me to the Mardi Gras" have become touchstones, widely sampled in hip-hop and beyond. This page highlights his detailed biography, key discography moments, and upcoming tour activity across the United States.