Branden James

Branden James Smith (born June 19, 1978),[1] known as Branden James, is an American tenor who has performed as a soloist with American symphony orchestras.[2][3][4][5] James came to prominence as a contestant on America's Got Talent during the show's eighth season.[6]

Branden James
Background information
Birth nameBranden James Smith
Born (1978-06-19) June 19, 1978
Anaheim, California
OriginLos Angeles, California, United States
GenresOpera, Classical Crossover
InstrumentsVocals
Associated acts12 Tenors, Branden & James (vocal and cello duo)
Websitebrandenjames.com

James has been a "regular soloist" for the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California and has also performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" for the Chicago Bulls, the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago Whitesox in Chicago, Illinois.[4][7] He also sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the 2014 Gay Games held in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio.[4] In 2007, he "appeared in concert at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Rome for Pope Benedict XVI celebrating the occasion of his 80th birthday."[4][8] He also performed for Nelson Mandela's family in South Africa,[4] and has made television appearances in Denmark, Norway, Romania, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.[4] He has also performed around the world as part of the 12 Tenors.[9]

As a judge on the eighth season of America's Got Talent, Heidi Klum praised James: "I love Branden James. I feel like he has that natural gift, you know, he has that beautiful, beautiful voice that gives me chills."[6]

Early life

James was born in Anaheim, California.[10][11] His grandfather was country music artist Jimmy Smith; Smith collaborated with Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.[12][13] James' interest in performance began at the age of 17 when a friend heard him singing along to an Amy Grant Christmas album and suggested he audition for choir.[9][12][14] He attended Irvine High School in Irvine, California, where his audition led to part with The Irvine Singers.[15] At Irvine High School he was also active in theater.[3]

While a member of The Irvine Singers, a "choir mentor" suggested James' voice had a "natural, classical sound" and recommended a teacher, suggesting he fine-tune his voice and recommending that he make singing his "craft."[14] This same mentor suggested a focus on classical music, which James took up as a professional foundation until later, when he eventually embraced a "crossover" presence as a performer in New York City.[14][15]

Following his graduation from Irvine High School in 1996, James was accepted and went to study at The San Francisco Conservatory of Music.[15][16][17] While a student at The San Francisco Conservatory of Music, James worked as a singing waiter in Switzerland during a summer break.[3][15] Following his time at The San Francisco Conservatory of Music, James moved to New York City to pursue a career as an opera singer.[16]

New York City, Las Vegas, and Chicago

In New York City, James developed a fondness for pop music and "became influenced by the styles of: Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Elton John, and Aretha Franklin."[16] He lived in New York City for nine years, auditioning for opera and Broadway theater and performing for two seasons in the chorus at The Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center in New York City.[14] In 2007, in the midst of a rising career in New York City, James "performed before Pope Benedict XVI at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City" as the member of a chorus.[18]

In the summer of 2012, James was given the opportunity to headline a production: David King's "The Spirit of Dance" at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada[16]

By 2013, James was living in Chicago, Illinois (in the city's Lincoln Park neighborhood) singing in the chorus of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, in local venues including Chicago wine bars The Twisted Vine and Chicago City Winery, as well as at larger-scale events such as the Northalsted Market Days.[14] In Chicago, he auditioned for America's Got Talent.[6][10][14] Previously, James had auditioned for the "producer's table" at American Idol and The Voice.[14]

America's Got Talent

James had been nudged by friends to audition for America's Got Talent but had not seen the show when the opportunity to test in Chicago presented itself.[12] Despite jet lag, (having flown in from a performance in Sydney, Australia the night before), James auditioned for season eight of America's Got Talent, during episode 805, and sang "Nessun dorma" (the aria in the final act of Turandot, the Giacomo Puccini opera), receiving an affirmative vote from all four judges (Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel).[12] On his success with America's Got Talent relative to American Idol and The Voice, James stated: "I consider myself very lucky and grateful that people paid attention this time around and realized that there was something that they could do with me."[14]

Having advanced to the Las Vegas, Nevada round (season eight, episode 808), James coasted into the New York City, New York quarterfinals without performing. During the quarterfinals (season eight, episode 810), James performed "You Raise Me Up" (the Josh Groban piece) and advanced to the semifinals (season eight, episode 811).[19] During the second week of semifinals (season eight, episode 822) he sang Heart's song "Alone." James advanced to the finals during this season of America's Got Talent (episode 823). During the top 12 finals (episode 824), James performed Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" but did not advance to the season finale.

In the time James participated as a contestant on America's Got Talent, he addressed a number of personal issues.[6] Having grown up "in a very conservative and traditional family," Branden was forthcoming about the struggles he faced due to his sexual orientation; although his mother, Lynda Smith, disapproved of his sexuality she has been openly supportive of James' efforts and attended his America's Got Talent audition and performances.[3][20] James' parents (Lynda and Jim Smith) "found out he was gay while he was in college" and "disapproved," unable to reconcile "his sexuality with their Christian values" but finding common ground with their son.[3]

Regarding social media comments in response to his openness and to his performances, James stated: "Here’s something where I also changed my thinking. I stopped reading them... I just stopped reading them because I realized that, even though I can kind of laugh some things off — there’s a lot of controversial things in there — I don’t need that to be in my subconscious, and I feel like it is whether you choose to acknowledge it on a conscious level or not. It’s still in your subconscious and it can really play games with you. It gets in the room artistically. So honestly, I don’t know what’s out there right now and I’m kind of happy just to be in my own zone."[6]

During the competition, Howard Stern praised James "for his 'emotion, power, (and) talent.'"[21]

Present

James returned to Chicago to perform at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on September 24, 2015.[4][22][23]

James was featured in the lineup for Tim Janis' "The American Christmas Carol" on December 4 of 2015 at Carnegie Hall in New York City.[4][24] The event, which featured a full orchestra and a 200 voice choir, was held in celebration of the show's 10th year at Carnegie Hall.[4][24] James was joined by special guests Neil Sedaka, Sarah McLachlan, Zachary Levi, Ioan Gruffudd and other performers.[4][24] All proceeds from the show were earmarked for both Kate Winslet's Golden Hat Foundation, "which aims to change the way people with autism are perceived," as well as for Sarah McLachlan's School of Music, "which provides no cost music instruction to at-risk children and youths."[24]

James is co-host of Afterbuzz TV network.[4] He also plays in a vocal and cello duo with James Clark; the duo's name is a combination of both musicians' names: Branden James.[4] The duo has now partnered with Scott Page, of Supertramp, Toto, and Pink Floyd fame in Page's Ignited Network; through the Ignited Network partnership the duo is recording a full-length album.[4] He is also a regular solo performer on Crystal, Princess, and Holland America Cruise lines.[4]

James is founding an organization called "You Belong" to nurture "the common principle that we're all the same."[9] James has explained the effort will emphasize the concept that everyone "has a place in this world because we're all human and one day we'll find that place through love and acceptance."[9]

In April 2020, responding to the isolation of the coronavirus pandemic, James & his partner James Clark began live-streaming concerts directly to their followers.[25] In September, James memoir "Lyrics of my Life" was released. In sharing all the details of his life, James hopes to continue the example for healing for young gays that he began with his honest conversations on America's Got Talent. As stated by WGN Radio "The book : “Lyrics of My Life: My Journey with Family, HIV, and Reality TV,” is Branden’s life story but it is so much more. It's filled with inspiration for so many others who may be struggling with similar issues while being raised in a very conservative religious environment."[26][27][28][29][30]

Personal life

Currently, James is based in New York, New York. James had once stated one of the toughest things about being on the road is missing his dog, which he acquired while living in Chicago, Illinois.[6]

In the early part of 2015, James disclosed he was diagnosed HIV positive in his mid-20s.[31] James stated: "I formed a major complex about what people would think of me. I kept it a deep dark secret to everyone except the trusted few."[31] Regarding the response to this news, he stated "It was liberating actually, and I was shocked to see that people took it a lot less harsh than I ever anticipated."[31] James had planned to go public about being HIV positive when he competed on America's Got Talent in 2013 but his partner at the time was afraid of the backlash.[31]

James remains very close to his family, including extended relatives: "Since James started singing, music has become a bigger part of his extended family," according to his uncle Fred de Avila: "a change of pace for the sports-centric de Avilas/Smith's."[3] James has 3 siblings in total, 2 brothers and a sister. Ashley Smith, James sister who shares a passion for singing and is also fond of singing with him; she has followed him into music, learning the piano and singing from him.[3] His cousin, Joe de Avila, 23, plays guitar and piano and was also influenced by James.[3]

Since 2012, James’ extended family has gathered every year at William R. Mason Regional Park in Irvine, California to host the "De Avila Dash," which consists of a one-mile walk or run "honoring the memory of the de Avila patriarch, Fred de Avila Sr."[3]

James is newly married to cellist James Clark. They play together in the duo Branden & James, named after both musicians.[32][33]

Discography

Citations
  1. "The Birth of Branden James Smith". The California Birth Index. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
  2. Community: Orchestra's first benefit pulls huge support
  3. America's got a tenor – and a local story
  4. About Branden James
  5. "The Pat Boone Celebrity Roast Branden James Red Carpet Interview". Archived from the original on 2015-11-04. Retrieved 2015-12-10.
  6. Branden James Croons His Way Into Top 12 on 'America's Got Talent' Archived 2015-12-11 at the Wayback Machine
  7. Branden James Performing The National Anthem at Lakers vs. Bulls. Staples Center, 1/29/15
  8. Branden James "The Voice of Christmas" with special guest Marisa Buchheit - 12/19 Archived April 1, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
  9. MUSIC Branden James talks new EP, coming out on TV
  10. Branden James Talent to burn: an interview with America’s Got Talent contestant Branden James Archived December 11, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
  11. "Branden James America's Got Talent Biography". Archived from the original on 2015-12-10. Retrieved 2015-12-10.
  12. Branden James on Finding His Voice
  13. Branden James - Voice of an American Angel In Our Town!
  14. A Conversation with Branden James
  15. Singer is among Top 12 on talent show
  16. Pledge Music About Branden James
  17. AMERICA'S GOT TALENT Finalist Branden James Coming to Auditorium Theatre, 9/24
  18. The Auditorium Theatre Presents ON STAGE WITH... BRENDAN JAMES Tonight
  19. Branden James Brings Heidi Klum to Tears With Powerful AGT Performance (VIDEO)
  20. America’s Got Talent 2013 Auditions: Gay Opera Singer Branden James
  21. America’s Got Talent 2013: Who Got Eliminated? 7/24/2013
  22. "AMERICA'S GOT TALENT" FINALIST BRANDEN JAMES MAKES AUDITORIUM THEATRE DEBUT SEPTEMBER 24 WITH ON STAGE WITH... BRANDEN JAMES" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-19. Retrieved 2015-12-10.
  23. "The Auditorium Theatre Announces 2015-2016 Season". Archived from the original on 2015-12-11. Retrieved 2015-12-10.
  24. Branden James added to Tim Janis: The American Christmas Carol at Carnegie Hall
  25. "Concerts to livestream this weekend". Colorado Springs Gazette.
  26. "TOPIC: From America's Got Talent to touring the world: Branden James shares the struggles of his life and overcoming obstacles in his new book: Lyrics of My Life". WGN Radio.
  27. "Interview With An Author: Branden James". Writer’s Relief.
  28. "America's Got Talent' Alum Branden James Opens Up About Family, Music, and HIV". The Body.
  29. "Branden James-The Vocalist Turned Author Talks Dream Duets, Reconciling His Faith,& His New Memoir". Instinct Magazine.
  30. "'Life' story: an interview with Branden James". Bay Area Reporter.
  31. America's Got Talent contestant on why he's talking about being HIV positive after decade of silence
  32. 'America's Got Talent' Contestant on Living With HIV, Finding Love
  33. Branden and James: Classical crossover partners, on- and off-stage

Sources
  • Daly, Sean; Majeski, Ashley (2013). Inside AGT: The Untold Stories of America's Got Talent (1st US paperback ed.). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 978-1492203605.
  • Gitner, Seth (2015). Multimedia Storytelling for Digital Communicators in a Multiplatform World (1st ed.). Routledge. ISBN 978-0765641328.

Further reading

See also

Branden & James

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