Bob James

Robert McElhiney James, known professionally as Bob James, is an American jazz keyboardist, arranger, and record producer born in Marshall, Missouri in 1939. He is best known for his work in contemporary jazz and smooth jazz, with influential early albums extensively sampled in hip hop production. His instrumental compositions including “Nautilus,” “Westchester Lady,” “Tappan Zee,” and the television theme “Angela” from the series Taxi have become standards in the genre.

James began his professional career in the early 1960s and was discovered by producer Quincy Jones while a college student. He worked extensively as an arranger and session musician at CTI Records, collaborating with artists including Grover Washington Jr., Stanley Turrentine, and Milt Jackson. In 1974, he released his landmark solo album One, which established his signature smooth jazz style and featured adaptations of classical compositions for contemporary audiences.

Throughout his career, James has received numerous accolades including Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Fusion Performance with David Sanborn (1986) and Best Pop Instrumental Performance with Earl Klugh (1980). In 1990, he co-founded Fourplay, a contemporary jazz quartet that has recorded over thirteen albums and remains active. His music has profoundly influenced hip hop production through extensive sampling, and he has been recognized with the George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award and multiple Grammy nominations.