James Morrison

James Morrison

James Morrison Catchpole is a British singer-songwriter from Rugby, Warwickshire, in England, born in 1984. He works in pop and soul-oriented styles, with genre labels including alternative rock, blue-eyed soul, indie rock, pop, pop rock and pop soul.

Early life and beginnings

Morrison begins learning guitar at 13 after his uncle shows him a blues riff. He starts busking while living in Porth near Newquay in Cornwall, and after performing other people’s songs for a period, he begins writing his own material. His musical influences include Al Green, Otis Redding, Cat Stevens and The Kinks.

Recording career

Polydor signs Morrison, and he first comes to prominence in 2006 with the single You Give Me Something. The track becomes a hit in Europe and Japan, reaching number 2 in the Netherlands and number 5 in the UK. His debut album, Undiscovered, goes to number 1 in the UK and sells more than two million copies worldwide. The album’s second single, Wonderful World, reaches number 8 in the UK.

His second album, Songs For You, Truths For Me, appears in 2008. It includes You Make It Real and Broken Strings, the latter featuring Nelly Furtado. Broken Strings reaches number 1 in several countries, including Belgium, Germany and Switzerland, and also tops the European Hot 100; it reaches number 2 in the UK, Austria and Ireland and enters the US Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart.

Morrison’s third album, The Awakening, includes I Won’t Let You Go, followed by Up with Jessie J, Slave To The Music and One Life. The album reaches number 1 in the UK and Switzerland and is certified platinum in the UK.

Live work and collaborations

He supports Corinne Bailey Rae on tour after her debut album. Morrison’s collaborative recording work includes Broken Strings with Nelly Furtado and Up with Jessie J.