James Ferris

ARTIST SUMMARY
Genres: Blues / Rock / Country
Label: Ferris Music Publishing
Management: Ferris Music Publishing BMI

ARTIST BIO

THE NEW SOUND OF THE TEXAS BLUES! Texas musician,multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, singer-songwriter of "Don't Mess With Texas" fame, James Ferris has performed for millions of fans throughout his career including national television shows and award winning commercials.

Ferris has performed WITH (not opening for) many major acts including (but not limited to) James Brown, Stevie Ray, Freddie King, Bobby Keys (Rolling Stones), Eric Johnson (album), Johnny Dee & the Rocket 88's, Bad Rodeo, John Earl's Boogieman Band, Voodoo Lounge, Brat, Celebration, Sante Fe, The Bluenotes even Mel Torme and many others.

Being a full-time musician/entertainer, when James is not working on his own original career, he is the most sought after "Mick Jagger" impersonator in the country, with his uncanny resemblance and voice to match rock icon. James and his band are currently recording their third album to be released early summer of 2011.

THE NEW SOUND OF THE TEXAS BLUES

With a career that spans over five decades, James Ferris' musical talents (piano, Hammond B-3 organ, synthesizers, guitar, bass guitar, harmonica, and vocals) are as diversified as his influences. From Amadeus to the Animals and all points in between…Elvis Presley to Elvis Costello, Todd Rundgren, Stones to the Beatles, Stevie Ray to Stevie Wonder, Carol and B.B. King, just to name a few.

James has performed at almost every club in the Dallas/Fort Worth area during the 60’s and 70’s and many others thru out the U.S. and beyond. James has also played keyboards or fronted for some of the most popular local and regional acts since the mid-sixties. 1964-1966 he played with The Seventh Street Prophets, one of the few bands playing at that time. This was also James’ first experience with recording; the band released a 45 titled Everybody Needs Somebody (a Stones hit).

1968 to 1970 James continues to climb the ladder being hired by Santa Fe; just three days before opening and touring with Three Dog Night. Managed by Ray Dennis and Beverly Beard, who wanted a bigger sound for the three piece, had James learn their entire show on keyboards in just a matter of hours. Besides touring with Three Dog Night, they also opened for Spirit and others. At the Dallas Memorial Coliseum opening for “3 Dog”, James’ parents saw their “long hair son” and proclaimed lovingly “I guess those piano lessons finally paid off!”