James Hall (musician)
James Hall | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 1, 1971 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Gospel artist, organ player, producer |
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Known for | Gospel music, choir Worship & Praise |
James Hall (originally named James Suggs, born October 1, 1971) is a distinguished American gospel artist, organ player, and producer, often referred to by the title “Duke of Gospel.” His professional journey commenced in 1994 with the album God Is in Control, released through Intersound Records, which successfully entered the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. Over the years, Hall has produced seven additional albums with multiple record companies, many featuring his choir Worship & Praise, consistently ranking on the Gospel Albums chart. In 2010, he collaborated with Voices of Citadel to release Won't It Be Wonderful, which also achieved placement on the Gospel Albums chart.
Early life
Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Hall is the youngest among eight brothers and sisters. His vocal talents emerged at the age of five, and during his high school years, he established the choir known as Worship & Praise.
Music career
Hall formed his gospel group Worship & Praise (WAP) in 1987. The ensemble gained notable recognition in 1992 after appearing on the television show Bobby Jones Gospel and subsequently recorded their debut project under Tehilah Records.
Hall’s recording career took off in 1994 with two albums released by Intersound Records: God Is in Control and King of Glory (1995), which reached No. 10 and No. 12 respectively on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. His third album, According to James Hall, Chapter 3 (1997), released via CGI Records, climbed to No. 8. The live album Live from New York at Lincoln Center (1998), issued by Platinum Entertainment, also attained a No. 10 position on the same chart.
Following these were Messiah (1998) through A&M Records and We Celebrate Christmas with James Hall (1999) from Compendia Music Group; however, these did not enter the charts. The 2001 album We Are at War, released by Destiny Records, broadened his chart impact by reaching No. 7 on Gospel Albums, No. 24 on Independent Albums, and No. 39 on Heatseekers Albums.
In 2006, Hall introduced Voices of Citadel under his own Music Blend Records label; this album did not chart. The subsequent live recording Live at Foxwoods (2007), distributed by Comin Atcha Music, peaked at No. 19 on Gospel Albums. The 2010 release Won't It Be Wonderful, featuring Voices of Citadel, marked a return to the charts at No. 5 on Gospel Albums and No. 46 on Heatseekers.
His album Trip Down Memory Lane, released in 2012 through Entertainment One Music, reached No. 6 on Gospel Albums and No. 49 on Independent Albums charts.
Discography
- With Worship & Praise
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Gos |
US Indie |
US Heat | ||
| God Is in Control |
|
10 | – | – |
| King of Glory |
|
12 | – | – |
| According to James Hall, Chapter 3 |
|
8 | – | – |
| Live from New York at Lincoln Center |
|
10 | – | – |
| We Are at War |
|
7 | 24 | 39 |
| Live at Foxwoods |
|
19 | – | – |
| Trip Down Memory Lane |
|
6 | 49 | – |
| New Era |
|
2 | 23 | – |
- With Voices of Citadel
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Gos |
US Heat | ||
| Won't It Be Wonderful |
|
5 | 46 |