J. W. Alexander (musician) facts for kids

James Woodie Alexander II (born January 21, 1916 – died July 8, 1996) was an important American singer, musician, and songwriter. He also produced music and started businesses. James Alexander played a big part in creating gospel and soul music. He is best known for working closely with the famous singer Sam Cooke.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

James Alexander was born in Hamilton, Mississippi. When he was a teenager, his family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. There, he started singing with local gospel music groups.

Joining Gospel Groups

At 18, James joined a group called the Silver Moon Quartet from Independence, Kansas. He also became their manager. They traveled and performed all over the Midwest.

For a short time, James also played professional baseball. He played for a team called the Ethiopian Clowns, which later became the Indianapolis Clowns. He even worked as an extra in movies in Hollywood.

In 1942, he joined another group, the Southern Gospel Singers. Then, in 1945, he became the first tenor singer and manager for a gospel group called the Pilgrim Travelers.

Success with the Pilgrim Travelers

The Pilgrim Travelers started recording music in 1947. They signed with Specialty Records in Los Angeles. Their music was new and had a strong rhythm, which made them famous across the country.

Finding New Talent

James Alexander also helped Specialty Records find new artists. This job is called A&R, which stands for Artists and Repertoire. It means finding and signing new musical talent.

In 1949, James heard a young singer named Sam Cooke. Sam was singing with a group called the Highway Q.C.'s. The next year, after Sam Cooke joined the Soul Stirrers, James signed them to a recording contract.

James brought many other gospel groups to Specialty Records. But he spent a lot of time working with the Soul Stirrers. He believed Sam Cooke could become a very successful singer, even a teen idol, if he sang popular, non-religious music.

In the early and mid-1950s, the Soul Stirrers (with Sam Cooke) and the Pilgrim Travelers (with James Alexander) toured together a lot.

Working with Sam Cooke

James Alexander encouraged Sam Cooke to start singing on his own. In 1957, Sam began his solo career. He became very successful, first with Keen and then with RCA in 1960.

Starting New Businesses

In 1958, James Alexander started his own music company called Kags Music. Then, in 1960, he and Sam Cooke became business partners. They created a company called SAR Productions. Their goal was to record and sell both gospel and rhythm and blues music.

Later, they started another record label called Derby for pop music. James and Sam also wrote songs together. Some of their songs include "Stand By Me Father," "That's Where It's At," and "Together Let's Find Love."

Later Career and Legacy

After Sam Cooke passed away in 1964, James Alexander continued to work in the music industry. He helped manage and promote the career of another former gospel singer, Lou Rawls. Lou Rawls had also been a member of the Pilgrim Travelers. Lou Rawls started having many pop and R&B hit songs in 1966.

James Alexander also signed several future stars to his Derby label. These included Johnnie Taylor, Billy Preston, and The Valentinos. He also worked as an independent record producer. He produced music for artists like Bobby Bland, Little Junior Parker, Bobby Womack, Solomon Burke, and Little Richard.

James Alexander passed away in Hollywood, California, in 1996. He was 80 years old and died from prostate cancer.