In today's music industry it is a rare discovery to find a recording artist who truly epitomizes the word "Music", but in singer-songwriter-producer Lendon James, that's exactly what you'll find.
Lendon James, born Len Fairley II in Lumberton, North Carolina to very Godly and supportive parents, is a shining new star that's changing the music industry standard of what an artist/ musician/ performer should be.
Lendon James' road to music and performing began at a very early age. He has memories (at age three) of standing on top of the furniture with any available “microphone” in hand, singing at the top of his lungs. He also started to play the drums at this tender age. His early musical aptitude is not surprising when one considers the musical backgrounds of his family. Lendon James’ paternal grandfather, Reverend James McGirt, was a musician and singer who started a family quartet group which included all twelve children as vocalist and musicians. During his grade school years, he and his cousins formed the group First Impression that performed in area talent shows. After winning several, he became overwhelmed by the idea of taking over an audience with music and went on to perform at other venues and shows, even landing as the opening act for several concerts and shows.
James acknowledged the fact that he was unpolished and wanted to better himself so in 2003, the group disbanded and Lendon James journeyed off to college at Elizabeth City State University. After meeting with his academic advisor and changing his major several times, Lendon finally settled upon a major that he could relate to; Communication Studies, which he would later receive a bachelors of art degree in. “I figured with a strong background in music, I rather study the odds and ins that would allow me to understand the other side of the business.” Soon after graduation Lendon James began teaching.
During the course of his years at ECSU, James had the opportunity to appear as an opening act and host for numerous concerts and other events. His unorthodox talents have placed him in some of the country’s leading concert hall and stages, while his days fronting for First Impression landed him gigs in every bar, club, and university imaginable. Lendon James has set out to establish himself as a solo artist. He has performed on many stages and on the same bill with artist such as Lil Wayne, Trey Songz, Rick Ross, T.I., Monica, and Trina throughout the US. James' musical influences include Michael Jackson, Tyrese, Marvin Gaye, Joe, Carl Thomas, Brandy, Johnathan Baker, Jamie Foxx, Jackie Wilson and the list goes on. He credits his style to studying these music icons (among others) to create his own unique and personal sound.
Lendon James is a true artist, singer, songwriter, producer, musician, performer and entertainer who take pride in playing instruments, writing his own material and perfecting his wild-and-crazy vocal arrangements. In the song, “I’ve got my music,” from Marvin Gaye’s 1989 double-album, Midnight Love and the Sexual Healing Sessions, Gaye sings,”…music is the soul of a man”...and with those words he initiated the sequence of Lendon James’ life.