Singer

If each of José James’s influences was a stone tossed into a bucket, that bucket would be heavy with jazz, hip-hop, R&B, soul, funk, disco, rock, and pop as well as a curious appreciation for ‘70s kung-fu film aesthetics. His most recent project—a series of records called 1978—brings these kaleidoscope interests into clear focus. James and his band will share their gleaming, multifaceted sound—and likely have you dancing in no time. Local rapper and producer Jim Swim opens the show

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José James

University of Iowa

“Merry Christmas from José James” raises the bar for the contemporary Christmas show. James combines the classic jazz-crooner elegance of Frank Sinatra and Nat “King” Cole with the earthy sophistication of soul legends Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway. Further, James breathes new life into much-loved holiday classics such as “The Christmas Song”, “White Christmas” and “Let it Snow”. Moreover, the show will feature new compositions by James and his partner Talia Billig. In addition to showcasing his crooner chops, the 50 Shades Darker singer explores his jazz side. The show includes a joyful rendition of John Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things.”

Merry Christmas From José James

Dakota

A jazz artist for the hip-hop generation, José James artfully blurs the lines between traditional and contemporary jazz, hip-hop, soul, funk, pop and rock. He has released 12 critically-acclaimed albums in as many years for labels such as Brownswood, Impulse, Blue Note and his own co-founded Rainbow Blonde Records, and is the recipient of both the Edison Award and L'Académie du Jazz Grand Prix. James has collaborated with many notable artists such as Flying Lotus, Robert Glasper, Lalah Hathaway, Ledisi, Aloe Blacc and Jason Moran.

José James presents 1978

Jimmy Lyons Stage

José James is a forward-looking, genre-defying Jazz singer for the hip-hop generation.  His newest album, 1978, is an instant classic, combining James’ deep love of Jazz and Hip-Hop with songwriting and production nods to R&B heroes Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, and Leon Ware.

José James Presents 1978

South Orange Performing Arts Center

Vocalist José James has been called the jazz singer for the hip-hop generation. He throws down the gauntlet on the past 100 years of jazz in this evening that honors the incredible work of singer-songwriter Erykah Badu. See why this genre-defying artist has collaborated with Ledisi, Lalah Hathaway, Aloe Blacc and Laura Myula.

On & On: José James Sings Badu

Chandler Center for the Arts

José James is one of the most daring jazz singers of his generation—or as Pitchfork called him, “one of the suavest vocal improvisers on the scene.” His arrangements and approach are in deep conversation with funk, R&B, and hip-hop, so it’s no surprise to find him paying tribute to one of the greatest multi-genre talents around: Erykah Badu. With a stellar band at his back, James takes us on a jazz odyssey through Badu’s incredible songbook and sings a few songs of his own.

The John Anson Ford Theatre

José James, a singular artist with a foot in the soul of the 70s and one firmly planted in the here and now, makes a welcome reappearance on the Miner stage with music from his latest Rainbow Blonde album, 1978: Revenge of the Dragon, a continuation of his ongoing project honoring the music and attitude of the 1970s.

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José James

Events

Upcoming events

Mar 27, 2026

José James · San Francisco Jazz

Past events

Sep 18, 2025

José James · University of Iowa School of Music

13 - 14 Dec, 2024

Merry Christmas From José James · Dakota

About

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