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, FIYA (which stands for Free in Yahweh’s Abundance), he freely incorporates hip-hop arrangements and urban beats into his recordings.
Fortune established himself with a prolific run that included 2004′s You Survived, 2007′s The Transformation, 2010′s Encore, and 2012′s Identity and Grace Gift. Identity was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Gospel Album, while its hit single “Hold On,” featuring Fred Hammond and Monica, was a Best Gospel Song nominee. His first live album, the two-disc Live Through It, appeared early in 2014. By the end of the decade, Fortune issued Dear Future Me and Dream Again, albums that included guest spots from the likes of Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Kierra Sheard, Deborah Carolina, and Lisa Knowles Smith. Fortune continued in 2020 with Dream Again (Live from Rock City), and two years later issued My Life, highlighted by the rousing “Never Let Me Down.” ~ TiVo Staff