Raised between NYC, Dominican Republic, and Lawrence, MA.

James got to experience music as a child due to his father "Marino Ruiz" being a Latin ballad singer from the 70's to early 80's; He first found out he could sing when the RnB group Boyz II Men hit the airwaves with the song Mowtown Philly.

In his early days JamesDuran first hit the stage on the Christian scene in a quartet and as a soloist singing cover songs from gospel groups such as Acappella, soloist Steve Green, and others alike, singing in ranges from Baritone Bass to low Tenor; He then went to college to learn music and joined the campus choir.

Due to financial reasons he could not finish his music studies but

James always had the hunger for music and moved to the state of Florida to pursue that dream. As life continued throwing obstacles and the years went by it has always been tough for James due to lack of resources and the times. In recent years life has brought him to Pittsburgh, PA. Where he has found new energy and a new era in music, giving him a fresh start...stay tuned.