Durbin was born to Judy Settle-Durbin. His father Willy Durbin, a musician, died of drug overdose when he was 9. He was diagnosed with Tourette's and Asperger's syndrome shortly after his father died. He has facial tics, some social awkwardness, and restricted interests.
He has a fiancée, Heidi whom he met in a bar and considered his 'rock'. They have a son together named Hunter.
In 2006, he performed in Santa Cruz-based children's theater group called Kids on Broadway and played the lead role in "Beauty and the Beast" and "Singin' in the Rain", as well as "West Side Story" in a production by All About Theatre, a Santa Cruz community theatre company. He was also the lead singer in a metal band called The Hollywood Scars. He said he has also done country music before.
James was invited to record and mix his amazing vocal talent with legendary producer/engineer/artist Alan Parsons (of The Alan Parsons Project/Beatles/Pink Floyd fame). Along with professional vocalist PJ Olsson, the group recorded James' vocals on Alan Parsons' song "We Play The Game," a collaboration with The Crystal Method.
Then only 19, James' drive, power, and musical insight were all too evident as he and Alan worked on recording a lead vocal and backing vocals on the Alan Parsons track from A Valid Path.
Idol Performances:
** Top 24: Personal Choice - You've Got Another Thing Comin' (Judas Priest)
** Top 13: Personal Idol - Maybe I'm Amazed (Paul McCartney)
** Top 12: Year You Were Born - I'll Be There for You (Bon Jovi)
** Top 11: Motown - Living for the City (Stevie Wonder)
** Top 11 Redux: Elton John - Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) [[artist]Elton John]
** Top 9: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - While My Guitar Gently Weeps (The Beatles)
** Top 8: Songs from the Movies - Heavy Metal (Sammy Hagar)
** Top 7: Songs from the 21st Century - Uprising (Muse)
** Top 6: Carole King - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow (The Shirelles)
** Top 5: Songs from Then & Now: Closer to the Edge (30 Seconds to Mars) / Without You (Bandfinger)
** Top 4: Songs That Inspire / Leiber & Stoller Songbook: Don't Stop Believin' (Journey) / Love Potion No. 9 (The Clovers)
In 2016 Durbin and Alex Grossi of Quiet Riot worked on an album project "Maps to the Hollywood Scars". Volume 1 was released as a 5-song EP in February 2017. In March 2017, Durbin joined Quiet Riot, as their new lead singer. The band reported that their upcoming album, 'Road Rage' would be re-recorded prior to its release to feature Durbin on lead vocals. After recording a follow-up album, Durbin quit the band in September 2019. The album, 'Hollywood Cowboys', was released on November 8, 2019. In October 2020, Durbin revealed he had signed with Frontiers Records and was working on a "pure heavy metal" album. The Beast Awakens was released on February 12, 2021 under the Durbin moniker. Alongside Durbin, who performs lead vocals and rhythm guitar, the album also features drummer Mike Vanderhule and bassist Barry Sparks. In 2022, Durbin has joined forces with STRYPER members Robert Sweet and Perry Richardson (bass; also ex-FIREHOUSE) and RIOT guitarist Mike Flyntz in a new project called CLEANBREAK.
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
James Durbin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You give your love so sweetly,
Tonight the light of love is in your eyes,
But will you love me tomorrow?
Is this a lasting treasure,
Or just a moment's pleasure,
Can I believe the magic of your sigh,
Tonight with words unspoken,
You say that I'm the only one,
But will my heart be broken,
When the night (When the night)
Meets the morning sun
I'd like to know that your love,
Is love I can be sure of,
So tell me now and I won't ask again,
Will you still love me
Will you still love me
You better love me tomorrow
The lyrics to James Durbin's song "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" are about the worries and uncertainties that come with falling in love for the first time. The singer is fully in the moment, enjoying the sweet affection of their partner, but can't help but wonder if it will last. The first verse expresses the joy of being in love, with lines like "you're mine completely" and "the light of love is in your eyes." But then the chorus poses the question that's been at the back of the singer's mind: "will you still love me tomorrow?" There's a hint of sadness and vulnerability in the way that line is delivered, as if the singer fears the answer might be no.
The second verse goes deeper into the insecurity the singer is feeling. They wonder if what they have with their partner is just a fleeting pleasure, or if it's something real that will endure. The line "can I believe the magic of your sigh" is particularly poignant, as it suggests the singer is almost desperate for reassurance that this love is something they can trust. The final lines of the verse set up a dramatic tension, as the singer worries about what will happen when the night ends and the morning comes. Will their heart be broken? Will their partner's feelings change?
Ultimately, the song is about the fear of vulnerability that comes with falling in love. The singer wants to believe that their partner's love is real and lasting, but they can't help but be cautious. The final chorus is the most desperate, with the singer pleading for assurance that their partner will love them tomorrow. The song is a classic example of a love song that's also a bit of a downer, tapping into the dark side of falling in love and the anxiety that comes with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Tonight you're mine completely,
Tonight, I have your undivided attention and affection,
You give your love so sweetly,
You express your love towards me in a kind and affectionate manner,
Tonight the light of love is in your eyes,
I can see the love that you're radiating towards me in your eyes,
But will you love me tomorrow?
However, I'm unsure if your love will continue into the future,
Is this a lasting treasure,
I wonder if this love is something that will remain valuable and meaningful over time,
Or just a moment's pleasure,
Or if it's simply a temporary source of enjoyment,
Can I believe the magic of your sigh,
I question whether the emotions you express are genuine or just an act,
Will you still love me tomorrow?
And again, I worry if your love will stay with me in the future,
Tonight with words unspoken,
Tonight, despite any unsaid feelings, we are together,
You say that I'm the only one,
You claim that I am the sole recipient of your love,
But will my heart be broken,
However, I fear that I will be left heartbroken,
When the night (When the night)
When this evening,
Meets the morning sun
Comes to an end with the sunrise,
I'd like to know that your love,
I wish to confirm that your love,
Is love I can be sure of,
Is genuine and something I can trust,
So tell me now and I won't ask again,
Therefore, please inform me now so that I don't have to keep asking,
Will you still love me
Would you still love me even after tonight
Will you still love me
Would you still love me even after tonight
You better love me tomorrow
I am giving a warning, if you don't love me tomorrow it will hurt me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Carole King, Gerry Goffin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@vickinixon9781
This young man is amazing. His range is awesome . Love this. Really enjoyed watching his performances.
@annaoggier9340
i love the acapella start to the song!! that was amazing!!!!! this whole version was brilliant!!!!!
@crystalhughson3715
I wore out The Shirelles version on vinyl in the 70's. LOVE this rendition by James Durbin!
@danpitts1791
Phenomenal rendition of one of Carole King's best songs
@renis8888
i feel chills in every song james sings
@numbersmandan
I'd listen to Scotty on the radio But I would buy the ticket to see james in concert! Anyone who can sing such a girlly song and rock it that well DAMN!
@tracygreen4280
Beautiful voice and spirit. Still sounds incredible
@shellys.6694
Dude! Amazing rendition!! 🤘🏼
@cherylwiggins9241
He has one hell of a voice. Dynamic 😊
@shanefistell8890
He sings with conviction and honesty! Great!