Luke James Music, Loganville, GA
Seasoned praise and worship leader Luke James, takes his music cues from the likes of Johnny Lang and John Mark McMillan, but he has an unmistakable sound, all his own. As a child Luke grew up attending church. He was taught from an early age that God is our only hope and salvation in life, but it wouldn’t be until after he had been through some dark places in his life that these words would become real to him. He explains, “That foundation has proved crucial in my life. Even during my late teens and early twenties during my ‘experimental phase’, when I didn’t always make the right decisions; I still knew what the right decision was and I never drifted so far that I didn’t know how to get back.” It is evident in his songs that his foundation in Christ is sure.
As a kid, James recalls singing all the time. In his parents’ answering machine message, he could be heard in the background singing in the shower. With 8-tracks of Elvis in the player, James would manipulate his voice to sound like ‘The King’. In their own home version of American Idol, he and his brother would even face off to see who had the best ‘Elvis’. However, it wasn’t until 1995, when this lifelong music lover took the position as worship leader at Emanuel Praise Church in Monroe, GA, that he truly opened up his gift to others. “I was always too shy to get up in front of people. My uncle/pastor actually forced me to sing at church. Otherwise, who knows if I’d have ever had the nerve? “.
When speaking of his life and the individuals that have influenced him, James credits singer/songwriter David Huff with having the most profound influence on his music. David produced his latest album and has mentored James since their relationship began. As an overall musician, his relationship with Huff, has given him the tenacity to take his career to the next level. He recalls, “When I began working with David it was like a new world was opened to me that had previously remained just beyond my reach.” Huff is an old-school rock and roller and is the perfect match to nurture James’ rocky edge and rugged vocals.
Through life, Luke James has found that in a time of desperation, it’s only when we take the focus off of ourselves and put it onto others that the darkness turns to light. It was during these times of desolation that a new sound began to pour out of Luke’s heart. Luke James has chosen to turn every blessing and curse back to praise. He has found himself, as a writer, seeking to capture what he would say in a “love song” to the Lord. His love for his creator is what has ultimately brought him out of inhibition and to a place where he is free to tell the world what God is all about: Love.
Isaiah 58:10-12
“10 Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. 11 The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. 12 Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.”
