Jamie James Releases New Song, Let The Praying Begin

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

Jamie James is no stranger to reinvention. A veteran of the music industry with a career spanning decades, he has played alongside legends, fronted his own bands, and left his mark on rockabilly, blues, and rock. Now, at 71, James is embracing a new chapter with his upcoming solo album Straight Up, led by the first single, Let the Praying Begin. With a sound that blends raw rock, a touch of blues, and an unapologetic authenticity, James proves that his passion for music burns as brightly as ever.

“I grew up in rock ‘n’ roll in the ‘60s—let’s just say I didn’t always live the life of a choirboy,” James admits with a laugh. “But after a while, you find someone you actually love, and that feels better than anything. The song is about saying, ‘If this relationship is wrong or a sin, or if this woman is too good for me, I’m not stopping—so go ahead and pray for me.’ In the end, the power of love makes us better.”

James’ musical journey is nothing short of legendary. Best known as the frontman of the rockabilly trio Kingbees, the band found success in the early ‘80s with their hit My Mistake. From there, James’ career took him through a series of collaborations with industry icons, including a stint with Steppenwolf in the late ‘70s and a decade-long musical partnership with the late actor and musician Harry Dean Stanton. Later, James joined forces with Dennis Quaid and the Sharks, where he spent nearly two decades touring and recording before the pandemic forced a change of pace.

“The slowdown gave me time to refocus,” James explains. “I started writing songs again, and I picked up the harmonica with newfound dedication. Over the next couple of years, I kept writing, and before I knew it, I had more than enough material for a new album.” The result is Straight Up, a 10-track LP featuring James alongside his longtime Sharks bandmates—Tom Walsh (drums), Ken Stange (organ), and Tom Mancillas (bass). Recorded live in the studio, the album captures the raw energy and chemistry of musicians who have played together for decades. “There isn’t a dishonest word on this record,” James says.

The first single, Let the Praying Begin, is a stripped-down, emotional track that leans into the blues while maintaining James’ signature rock roots. Wildfire Music + News describes it as “unhurried, contemplative, but emotive... with a seriousness and drama that makes it far more than an introspective love song.” The song is as much about defiance as it is about devotion, a balance that James has mastered over the years. “If loving this person is a sin, if it seems wrong to someone else, I don’t care. Just start praying for me, because I’m not stopping,” James says.

Looking back on his career, James reflects on the journey that led him here. “When I came to L.A. in ‘75, I kicked around, played wherever I could, and met some great musicians,” he recalls. “I even ended up playing with Steppenwolf for a year. But my heart has always been in songwriting.” That passion remains at the core of his music today. “I learned how to sing and play guitar so I could write songs. That’s always been the driving force.”

Despite an emergency quadruple bypass before the pandemic, James has no plans of slowing down. “Music is a healer, man,” he says. “It’s therapy, it’s celebration, it’s how we connect. I don’t care about social media, algorithms, or any of that stuff—I just want to play my guitar, sing, and share music with people.”

With Let the Praying Begin out now and Straight Up set for release on March 15 via Oglio Records, Jamie James is once again proving that great music—and great musicians—stand the test of time.

To listen to Let the Praying Begin, visit this link.