James Shelton is a veteran Detroit Musician, Arranger and Producer who is known for R&B, Soul, Funk, and Gospel music. He has toured with and recorded with some of the most notable artists around, including the likes of Amp Fiddler, Alexander O’Neal, Vickie Winans, and The Clark Sisters. James began his music career at age 12 when he took up the piano. He played through high school and got good enough to perform as a soloist for the Straight Gate International Ministries. Soon after he was chosen to direct the band, compose new musical scores and also teach there. In 1996 he became the Music Director and Choir Director for the Body of Christ Ministries. In 1997 he moved to the House of Prayer and Praise Ministries where he spent the next 11 years as a Music Director. There he wrote original musical arrangements for performances, conducted rehearsals, taught music, and directed the chur band. James was directing popular stage plays that include “Oh Holy Night”, “Addicted to Love”, “I Should Have Listened”, “Tell It To the Judge”, “Church Girl”, and more. These accomplishments are testimony to his wide-ranging skills as a musician, arranger, director, teacher, and leader. James Shelton is a remarkable musical talent. But working for the church is just one side of his life. James Shelton’s keyboard and arranging skills were well-known within church circles but the commercial music world also took note. Talent draws attention and soon he was working on stages and in studios with the likes of Amp Fiddler, Alexander O’Neal, Angela Winbush, Darnell Hendricks, Lin Rountree, and Monica Blaire. James became a go-to keyboard player who brought rhythm and soul to everyone’s performance. When it came time for Amp Fiddler to tour Europe, he called on James to hold down the keys. Audiences in England, France, Italy, and Germany loved his stylish musicianship. Back here in Detroit, the list of performance venues and events grew with his reputation. He played on big stages like Chene Park Amphitheatre, Hart Plaza Amphitheatre, Campus Martius Park, and Music Hall. He played at notable clubs like Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Cliff Bell’s, Bert’s Motown Room, The Jazz Cafe, and Floods. And he had the opportunity to grace the stages at Detroit’s MGM Grand, Motor City and Greektown casinos. In addition to performing, James Shelton is a master arranger. He is skilled on the Motif, Triton, Nord Electric, and Logic keyboards and records with Pro Tools and Cubase. He works with various local artists to create music ranging from R&B to Soul to Gospel to Funk. James Shelton’s newest solo project is a Funk Fusion recording that features an electrified piano and mellow vocals. It promises to be a unique musical creation. As a Writer, Musician, Arranger, Producer, Vocal Director, and Stage Performer, James Shelton brings wide-ranging musical experience to artists, bands and his fans in the audience.