Boney James (born James Oppenheim, September 1, 1961, in Lowell, Massachuse… Read Full Bio ↴Boney James (born James Oppenheim, September 1, 1961, in Lowell, Massachusetts) is a contemporary jazz saxophonist who has consistently placed at the top of the Contemporary Jazz Charts since his leader debut with 1992's Trust. His sound is known for being grittier and more muscular than the genre usually embodies.
James, born James Oppenheim, grew up in New Rochelle, New York, and studied clarinet at eight, later switching to saxophone. At age 15, his family moved to Los Angeles, where he began playing in a fusion band called Line One that was strong enough to open for Flora Purim and the Yellowjackets. He earned a degree in history from UCLA but became a full-time musician after graduation, doubling on keyboards.
In 1985, James went on the road as a keyboardist with Morris Day. He spent four years with Day and became an in-demand sideman, playing with Randy Crawford, Sheena Easton, the Isley Brothers, Bobby Caldwell, and many others before going solo.
James has received four Grammy nominations, RIAA gold-certified albums, and millions of sales. His unique meld of soul-jazz, R&B, funk, and pop have come to define the sound of 21st-century contemporary jazz. Albums such as 1999's Body Language, 2004's Pure, and 2015's Futuresoul have influenced an entire generation of artists.
In 2020, James released his album Solid, featuring 11 self-penned compositions, including the single "Be Here," with Kenny Lattimore providing vocals. The album debuted at #10 on the Billboard Current Pop Albums Chart.
James remains a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene, with his unique sound and influence on the genre solidifying his place in music history.
James, born James Oppenheim, grew up in New Rochelle, New York, and studied clarinet at eight, later switching to saxophone. At age 15, his family moved to Los Angeles, where he began playing in a fusion band called Line One that was strong enough to open for Flora Purim and the Yellowjackets. He earned a degree in history from UCLA but became a full-time musician after graduation, doubling on keyboards.
In 1985, James went on the road as a keyboardist with Morris Day. He spent four years with Day and became an in-demand sideman, playing with Randy Crawford, Sheena Easton, the Isley Brothers, Bobby Caldwell, and many others before going solo.
James has received four Grammy nominations, RIAA gold-certified albums, and millions of sales. His unique meld of soul-jazz, R&B, funk, and pop have come to define the sound of 21st-century contemporary jazz. Albums such as 1999's Body Language, 2004's Pure, and 2015's Futuresoul have influenced an entire generation of artists.
In 2020, James released his album Solid, featuring 11 self-penned compositions, including the single "Be Here," with Kenny Lattimore providing vocals. The album debuted at #10 on the Billboard Current Pop Albums Chart.
James remains a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene, with his unique sound and influence on the genre solidifying his place in music history.
Body Language
Boney James Lyrics
Instrumental
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Trent Davis
Totally underrated...even 20 years later!!
Trent Davis
Still jammin to this 13 years later....that is a true testament to great music!!
Bilderberg_News
22 years and still HOT!
Rubye Armorer
Love this song. So beautifully crafted! No one can do this like Boney James can.
Genetta Lacey
Such a soulful sound. What ever mood you're in this beautiful, smooth and very sensual music will make it all better. Awesome.
Tomyfamily 18
this was my first smooth jazz album. I was introduced to smooth jazz at 17 yrs old and this was the first song I ever heard. I'm 35 now and this is still my favorite song. it's a timeless classic.
Monie Ol Skool
My favorite song from this awesome album. I remember when my dad first bought this album at that old record store The Wiz back when this first came out in 1999. He played it nonstop since then, and as I got older, I fell in love with it more and more. LOVE this song.
Thank you Dad, for your continuous playing of this album, and for embedding Boney James into my musical tastes for years to come :)
Dawn Harvey
The wiz wow you said something them are you from Newark NJ
Jennifer Williams
Monie Ol Skool Your Dad has good taste in music
Monie Ol Skool
@Naqreez Naqreez wow, I didn't know u were subscribed to my channel! Thank you for subscribing! That means a lot! And thanks for the compliment as well! I definitely love smooth jazz like this, and have been a fan of Boney James since childhood. This album was always in heavy rotation in my house and still is to this day! Classic! And so romantic and sensual! Great as a summer jam too!