James Fortune

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 done show biz style, complete with Fortune's spoken, sung, and shouted encouragements. Since making his full-length debut with You Survived (2004), Fortune 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) and My Life (2022). Fortune, who was born November 29, 1978, in Richmond, Texas, was raised in the church where his dad was a pastor, and was playing drums by the age of five. He graduated from Kempner High School in Sugar Land, Texas, and then attended Cal State Northridge, and consequently became 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, and with his featured choir, (which stands for Free in Yahweh's Abundance), he freely incorporates hip-hop arrangements and urban beats into his recordings.