James Hall (musician) facts for kids

James Hall, born James Suggs on October 1, 1971, is an American gospel musician. He is also an organ player and a music producer. People sometimes call him the "Duke of Gospel."

James Hall began his music career in 1994. His first album, God Is in Control, became popular. It even appeared on the Billboard magazine Gospel Albums chart. He has released many albums that have been successful. Most of these were with his choir, Worship & Praise. He also released an album with Voices of Citadel.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

James Hall was born in Brooklyn, New York, on October 1, 1971. He was the youngest of eight children. He started singing when he was just five years old. While he was still in high school, he created his own choir. He named this choir Worship & Praise.

James Hall's Music Career

In 1987, James Hall officially started his gospel singing group, Worship & Praise (WAP). They got a big chance in 1992. They were invited to perform for five minutes on a TV show called Bobby Jones Gospel. This was a great opportunity for them. Earlier that same year, WAP had recorded their very first music project.

First Albums and Chart Success

James Hall's recording career truly began in 1994. He released two albums with Intersound Records. These were God Is in Control in 1994 and King of Glory in 1995. Both of these albums became popular. They appeared on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. God Is in Control reached number 10, and King of Glory reached number 12.

His third album, According to James Hall, Chapter 3, came out in 1997. This album reached number 8 on the Gospel Albums chart. In 1998, he released Live from New York at Lincoln Center. This live album also made it to number 10 on the Gospel Albums chart.

More Albums and Wider Recognition

Some of his next albums, Messiah (1998) and We Celebrate Christmas with James Hall (1999), did not appear on the charts. However, his album We Are at War was released in 2001. This album was very successful. It appeared on three different Billboard charts. It reached number 7 on the Gospel Albums chart. It also appeared on the Independent Albums chart and the Heatseekers Albums chart.

In 2006, he released Voices of Citadel on his own record label. This album did not chart. But his next album, Live at Foxwoods, came out in 2007. It reached number 19 on the Gospel Albums chart.

Later Works and Continued Success

In 2010, James Hall released Won't It Be Wonderful with Voices of Citadel. This album was a big hit. It reached number 5 on the Gospel Albums chart. It also appeared on the Heatseekers Albums chart.

His album Trip Down Memory Lane was released in 2012. This album also did well. It appeared on two Billboard charts. It reached number 6 on the Gospel Albums chart. It also charted on the Independent Albums chart.

James Hall continues to be an important figure in gospel music. He is known for his powerful voice and his work as a choir leader.