Raised in Church, grounded in the Word, gifted with a killer voice and a passion for ministry, Daniel James seems blessed to be a blessing.
A preacher's kid, Daniel grew up singing with his brothers and working alongside his father in Colorado as he ministered with Youth for Christ to troubled teens. Today, this genre-crossing recording artist remains in Colorado and continues the tradition of working with at-risk youth while also ministering to young couples with his wife Jacquenette.
Daniel, a former worship leader for Marilyn Hickey's Orchard Road Christian Center in Denver, remembers delivering his first message at age five. By high school, he was competing and winning local talent contests including Denver's "Stars of Tomorrow," a prelude to his eventual win of five Silver medals in the World Championships of Performing Arts in 2003.
Over the years, Daniel honed his craft, sharing the stage with renowned artists such as CeCe Winans, Martha Munizzi, Anointed, Tim Miner and Lyle Lovett. He also recorded a full-length album, No More Lines (Roo Records/STL/Awake), made guest appearances on a variety of Gospel collections and appeared on Jarion Hamm's Imagine. In addition, Daniel began developing his songwriting talents which have been recognized by Jon Gibson, Tony Woods and Tim Miner among others. All the while, he has been ministering in churches and concert venues across North America.
His unique vocal style, a blend of Gospel, AC and R&B influences, caters to people who enjoy a more mainstream sound. This fresh sound and Daniel's honest, Christ-focused lyrics have opened numerous doors including appearances on national Christian television and at the National Gospel Radio Announcers Guild Awards.
Although raised in a Christian home, Daniel recalls it wasn't until he left his teen years that he truly forged his own relationship with Jesus. "You know how it is, if you grow up in a Christian family, you can think you inherit that… But we all have to find our own way, make our own journey."
Daniel's journey includes a multi-faceted ministry. This former youth pastor continues his family's tradition of ministry to troubled youth. Today, he and his wife Jacquenette work with at-risk kids in their area. Daniel also serves as Chairman of the Board for "Positive Spin," a magazine created by and for at-risk, inner-city kids. In addition, he creates inspirational, devotional text messages for mobile phones and works with "Bridges for Peace," a reconciliation ministry for Christians and Jews.
