James Fortune understands that if you preach redemption in the 21st century, you have to make a production of it, and his albums are a bit like urban gospel/hip-hop/soul revues performed in show biz fashion, complete with Fortune's spoken, sung, and shouted encouragements. Since making his full-length debut with You Survived (2004), he has been one of the most successful recording artists in contemporary gospel. Along with several number one gospel singles, he has a pair of Grammy nominations -- both for Identity (2012). He entered his third decade of activity with Dream Again (Live from Rock City) (2020), My Life (2022), and the 2023 EP Worth It. Fortune, who was born November 29, 1978, in Richmond, Texas, was raised in the church where his dad was a pastor, and he was playing drums by the age of five. He graduated from Kempner High School in Sugar Land, Texas, and then attended Cal State Northridge, consequently becoming the choir director at Dimension Church in Houston. As much or more a preacher, choir leader, master of ceremonies, and worship service manager as he is a straight-up singer, Fortune's strength is in understanding how to put gospel and praise songs over to a young 21st century audience. With his featured choir, FIYA (which stands for "Free in Yahweh's Abundance"), he freely incorporates hip-hop arrangements and urban beats into his recordings. Fortune established himself with a prolific run that included 2004's You Survived, 2007's The Transformation, 2010's Encore, and 2012's Identity and Grace Gift. Identity was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Gospel Album, while its hit single "Hold On," featuring Fred Hammond and Monica, was a Best Gospel Song nominee. His first live album, the two-disc Live Through It, appeared early in 2014. By the end of the decade, Fortune issued Dear Future Me and Dream Again, albums that included guest spots from the likes of Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Kierra Sheard, Deborah Carolina, and Lisa Knowles Smith. Fortune continued in 2020 with Dream Again (Live from Rock City), and two years later issued My Life, highlighted by the rousing "Never Let Me Down." Fortune's next project was the seven-song EP, Worth It. Released in 2023, the singer again collaborated with Monica, as well as rapper Waka Flocka Flame and Zacardi Cortez, on a collection of encouraging praise songs to remind his listeners that their struggles are "worth it." ~ TiVo Staff

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James Fortune

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