Early Life of James Morrison:
James Morrison was born July 10, 1984 in Rugby, England. As a baby he had whooping cough, which James Morrison sometimes credits for his husky singing voice. Growing up life wasn't easy, but at the age of 13 he learned to play guitar. Soon James Morrison began busking on the streets of Porth along the coast of Cornwall. At the age of 16 he put together his own band at school and they began getting a number of local gigs.
Quote from James Morrison:
Speaking about his song lyrics in an interview with I Like Music:
"I just try to write simple lyrics that people will understand from all walks of life. You can't be too clever sometimes because people won't get it. And I always try to write lyrics where you understand every single line."
Undiscovered Album Is Released:
A demo CD James Morrison had recorded with borrowed equipment fell into the hands of a man with connections at Polydor. Soon Morrison was in the studio with producer Martin Terefe recording his songs. The release of the album Undiscovered in July, 2006 was preceded by 2 weeks by the single "You Give Me Something" which reached the UK top 5. Undiscovered landed at the top of the UK album chart, and James Morrison had become a pop star.
James Morrison's Style of Singing:
Many describe James Morrison as a British Stevie Wonder. However, his music also incorporates elements from classic pop-soul by masters such as Ray Charles, Bob Seger, Rod Stewart, and Joe Cocker. Although James Morrison hit the charts at the tender age of 22, his husky, soulful voice sounds like it has been around much much longer.
Listen to "You Give Me Something."
British Pop Superstar:
Undiscovered eventually generated another top 10 pop single in the UK, "Wonderful World." He gained great exposure across the country touring with Corinne Bailey Rae. Undiscovered became one of the top 10 best selling albums of the year in the UK. James Morrison confirmed his status as one of the country's top pop singers when he took home the Brit Award for Best British Male Solo Artist in February, 2007.
James Morrison in the US:
Undiscovered was released March 13, 2007 in the US. With strong support from TV performances it debuted at #24 on the US album chart. However, major success in the US was elusive. "You Give Me Something" charted at top 40 radio but failed to make the pop singles chart.
Songs for You, Truths for Me:
James Morrison collaborated with singer-songwriter Jason Mraz on the track "Details in the Fabric" in early 2008. In September 2008 his second album Songs for You, Truths for Me was released in the UK. It was another sizable hit reaching #3 on the charts and certified platinum for sales. In the US the album just barely landed inside the top 50.
"Broken Strings" With Nelly Furtado:
In December 2008, James Morrison's third single from Songs for You, Truths for Me was released. It was a duet with Nelly Furtado. The song turned into his biggest worldwide pop hit yet. In February 2009 US promotion began to attempt to finally break James Morrison as a hit artist in the US as well.
