We had the good fortune of connecting with James White and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk taking has been the fuel behind every successful endeavor I’ve ever had. I’ve never started anything with the appropriate amount of resources, suitable experience or strong backing to rely on. It has always been believing that I was following God’s design for my life, and that everything I needed to complete each leap of faith along the way.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I grew up in a household that always had music playing, and it was embedded in me at an early age. My mom ardently played Gospel music, and my dad introduced me to other genres like R&B, jazz and reggae. I’d have fake concerts in my room as a kid, but it wasn’t until I wrote my first song at 9 years old that I believed that I could perform music on a higher level. I cut my teeth in Gospel music almost primarily, becoming the choir director for our 300-member music department at age 12. My musical acumen began to grow exponentially in high school, becoming a part of the Advanced Chorus, and soon after, landing placements within the Alabama All-State Chorus and Honor Reading Choir.

After a few disappointing lessons, I taught myself how to play piano at age 15, using the rudiments I learned while being in chorus. I was fortunate enough to develop my skills in music arranging and teaching, becoming a music workshop clinician throughout the Gulf Coast region as a teenager.

Shortly after arriving at Florida A&M University in 1996, I joined the illustrious FAMU Gospel Choir, and was afforded to teach them an original song, called “Higher.” This song would go on to become the title track of Youth For Christ’s Grammy-nominated debut album in 1999. Now an official songwriter, I garnered writing and vocal arranging credits for nationally released albums for the past 25 years.

Even as I currently pastor New Identity Church, a burgeoning new ministry in the North Houston area, I still make room for artistic creativity. I have been blessed to carve out time to offer my services as a voice and piano instructor, event performer, vocal coordinator, theme song/vignette producer and voiceover artist.

Every level of growth in my career has been accompanied by several challenges. The main key of overcoming any obstacles or difficulties is perspective. How I saw my issues determined my mindset, which carried over into my productivity. I’ve adopted this mantra: “Anything that I experience is commanded to help me grow.” I look at setbacks as indicators that what I’m pursuing is worth it – and it always is.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d definitely start my day with a nice breakfast at the Toasted Yolk Cafe. We’d likely need to walk that off, so a stroll through the Discovery Green would provide great scenery. The Museum District is excellent. I personally love the Museum of Natural Sciences, as well as the Museum of Fine Arts. Here in Houston, you can shop anywhere, and find a great place to eat EVERYWHERE! You’ll find a good deal of both at the Kemah Boardwalk. Since you’re in that area, you might as well head over to NASA to learn why we’re nicknamed Space City. From family fun to professional sports games to live music and entertainment, there’s never a dull moment in Houston, TX.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
PEOPLE – My wife Nicole, my children Tim, Shanda, Jayln & Josiah, my grandchildren, my Dad and Mom, my siblings, my extended family on every side, my late grandparents and godparents, my mentors Yvonne Matthews, Eugenia Rankins, Aaron Lindsey and the late Harry Moore, and a host of great friends.

ORGANIZATIONS – Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, FAMU Gospel Choir, and New Identity Church

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jharriswhite

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