Casey James

I don’t think I’m ruffling any feathers here when I say that TV Talent shows aren’t exactly bottomless wells of unimaginable talent the likes of which we’ve never seen before. Over 14 seasons American Idol hasn’t given us a ton of people whose careers have lasted. In Casey James however, we have an artist who seems quite able to join the likes of Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert and Kelly Clarkson in having long and fruitful careers after Idol.

James was always a musical person, even in his very early life. When he was an infant he had a bad reaction to a vaccination and both family and doctors feared that he’d suffer from brain damage as a result. His mother realized that he’d be alright once she heard him hum the theme tune to M*A*S*H before he was able to talk.

For someone with such a profound connection to music, it’s almost surprising that he didn’t play an instrument until he was 13, when James started playing the guitar and within a year was playing on stage. He played in a variety of capacities, both electric and acoustic, solo and in bands, but before Idol he’d settled into fronting the Casey James Band.

As good as his band was, that wasn’t what was going to throw him into the spotlight. He auditioned for the 9th season of American Idol and ended up coming third, with a record contract with Sony Music Nashville waiting for him afterwards. His debut came in March 2012 and gained some stellar reviews praising James for his gravelly, soulful voice and expert guitar playing.

Put your prejudices aside and chances are you’ll find a lot to love about Casey James, who comes highly recommended.