Johnny James aka Dr J

Los Angeles, California – May 11, 2022 – Following the release of “Foolish Heart” in March 2022,
which is currently a Top-10 hit in the United Kingdom and Top-50 in America – and still climbing in both
countries - smooth jazz saxophonist Johnny James Dr. J is releasing a remix of the classic song,
featuring songstress Sangingdiva. Produced by Andre Brissette and mixed by Erik Blu2th Griggs, the
remix includes the all-star musical talents of Norman Brown and Greg Phillinganes. Blu2th, a worldclass
musician, shines in the remix, where he is featured on bass guitar, lead guitar, drum programming,
and background vocals.
James has long loved “Foolish Heart,” first recorded by Steve Perry in 1984. However, he is excited
about what vocalist Sangindiva - currently touring with Jeffery Osborne - brings to the remix. “Her voice
is pure, sweet, and innocent,” said James. “Yet, she sings with power and emotion giving the “Foolish
Heart” remix a beautiful vocal flavoring.”
“I’m also amazed at what Erik Blu2th Griggs adds to the remix,” James said. “He is an extraordinary
musician, who played multiple instruments on the recording and did a masterful job of mixing that takes
the recording to a higher level.”
“And it’s an honor to have someone of Norman Brown’s musical caliber on the remix,” James said. “He
is one of the greatest jazz and R&B guitarists on earth. And keyboardist Greg Phillinganes is legendary,
having toured or recorded with the likes of Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Michael Jackson, and Toto.”
James is an accomplished vocalist, saxophonist, and flutist who has performed nationally and
internationally for 40-plus years. The music major from Florida A&M University, who once marched in
the school’s world-famous Marching Band, ultimately became a member of the pop-dance band Will to
Power. The Epic Records-signed group released such hit singles as Baby I Love Your Way/ Free Bird
Medley, Dreamin’, Say It’s Gonna Rain, and Fading Away. - for Johnny James aka Dr. J

Johnny James, aka Dr. J.
Smooth Jazz Saxophonist, Flutist, Vocalist, Arranger, Producer, Actor
The music of smooth jazz saxophonist, flutist, and vocalist Johnny James, aka Dr. J., has no
limits or borders. From the United States to Singapore to Canada to South Africa to the
Caribbean to Mexico, James has proven over and over that music “is the common denominator
to bringing people together around the globe.”
These days, the common musical denominator comes in two smooth jazz tunes that James has
released: Slippin’ and Your Love. Both songs are receiving much love and airplay in the United
Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.
James describes Your Love, as a smooth mid-tempo R&B-jazzy composition, with a cool and
mesmerizing groove that people are loving. The tune features James on vocals and alto
saxophone. Slippin’ is an up-tempo, “got-to-dance” smooth jazz tune that features James's vocal
and soprano offerings. James and producer Vincent Sims penned both songs.
For much of the summer of 2021, Slippin’ and Your Love have charted in London and Canada,
particularly Montreal, landing Top 10 on the Canadian City’s famed Hump Chart. In the U.K.,
both songs are among the most requested on “London Soul Radio,” “It’s a Soul Thing with Alan
Irvine,” and “The Network Soul”.
“I bloody love it!!!”, said Nigel Waymark, a UK DJ on London Soul Radio. “I play it on my
morning daytime show…I am lovin’ this track”.
England’s Alan Irvine of It’s a Soul Thing calls Slippin’ and Your Love “truly brilliant pieces of
jazz fusion beautifully performed by a masterful artist”.
James is no stranger to having his musical talents enjoyed by international audiences. The music
veteran of 40-plus years lived in Singapore (Asia) for many years. With his vocal and saxophone
stylings, Dr. J. has performed at the Singapore Jazz Festival, the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay
(National Performing Arts Centre), and the Singapore Grand Prix. He regularly performed at
some of Singapore’s most prestigious corporate events, including Tiffany and Cartier, and for the
U.S. Ambassador to Singapore. In addition to his musical acumen, James made his modeling
debut in Singapore and later his acting debut in the award-winning stage play, Take Me Out.
James played the role of Davey Battle in the baseball-themed production.
Over the years, James has showcased his musical talents in other international locales, including
South Africa, Mexico, and the Bahamas. In the United States, the entertainer has performed
musically at major corporate events in Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin
Islands, to name a few.
Born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, James’ love for music began when he was a youngster
attending a Pentecostal church across the street from his house. Known for its electrifying gospel
music, pushed by vibrant bands, the Pentecostal’s spiritual musical vibes significantly impacted
young Johnny. After high school, James earned a music scholarship to FAMU, where he played
saxophone and marched in the mighty Marching 100, known as “The World’s Greatest and Most
Imitated Marching Band”. In addition, James played in the University’s concert, symphonic, and
jazz bands.
James’ influence on the saxophone is primarily attributed to the late saxophonist Grover
Washington Jr., widely regarded as “the Godfather of Smooth Jazz.” James is also musically
influenced by alto saxophonist and jazz icon Julian “Cannonball” Adderley. The late great
Cannonball graduated from FAMU in the late-1940s. Although Washington and Cannonball
loom largely in shaping James’ brand as a saxophonist, Dr. J. has created his own distinct style
and sound.
After graduating from FAMU with a bachelor’s degree in music in hand, James performed with
the Miami-based band Will To Power. The pop-dance band, signed to Epic Records in the
late-1980s, released such top hits as Baby I Love Your Way/ Free Bird Medley, Dreamin’, Say It’s
Gonna Rain, and Fading Away.
As a solo artist, James has released two CDs: The Remedy (2000) and The Cure (2009). Both
contain original and cover tunes, with the musical medicine to lift listeners’ spirits. These days,
James, based out of Delray Beach, Florida, is completing another CD called “Breathing.” Before
Breathing is released in the late fall of 2021, James will release several singles, including
“Foolish Heart.”
“I’m excited to see my music being appreciated on international levels,” James said. “I’m the
kind of person that likes to focus on things that unite us as opposed to what divides us. I’ve come
to realize that despite the many cultures around the world, we are all more alike than we think.
Music is the common denominator to bringing people around the globe together”.
For more information on Johnny James, aka Dr. J., log on to www.johnny-james.com or follow
him on Facebook and Instagram. For media inquiries, contact Don W. Saint-James at
310.497.9566 or mastermediadj@sbcglobal.net. - for Dr. J