Freddie James has been entertaining not just Montrealers, but audiences around the world for decades with his smooth singing style and on-stage energy for decades. And his virtuosity and ability to captivate crowds will be on display when he makes his first appearance as one of the headliners at this year’s West Island Blues Festival.
Coming out of a musical family, Freddie learned the value of showmanship and professionalism at a young age and has been staying the course.
It all came to ahead in his latter years of high school when he released his debut album, capitalizing on the ubiquitous Disco vibe of the day. He enjoyed success with hits such as “Hollywood,” “Dance Little Boy Blue,” and top 10 hit “[Everybody] Get Up And Boogie”, which made him the first artist to achieve gold status with dance music in Canada; the hit went certified gold and platinum all over the world.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Freddie James and his family moved to Canada in the mid-70s and has become a veritable icon on the Montreal music circuit, with regular performances at local venues, around the province and across Canada.
Well steeped in “Soul” music, James is continuing the legacy of a family of singers, coming out of church choirs.
In recent years he has been dabbling in comedy, making appearances at comedy venues around town, but he remains true to his foundational skill, music. That will come to the fore when Freddie James takes the stage for the first time at the West Island Blues Festival, joining a host of blues breakers, including Mike Goudreau, Rock Croc & Blues Gator, Sarah Dagenais Hakim, the Rusty Hip Shakers, Carolyn Fe and others…
West Island Blues Festival, June 20, 2:30-11 p.m., Dollard des Ormeaux Park, Salaberry Boulevard. Come out and enjoy. It’s free! www.westislandbluesfestival.com errol.johnson@sympatico.ca Info. 514-620-0554, 514-781-0890.
Freddie James on stage at West Island Blues Festival, June 20
