Artist Information
Biography
Current Awards and Nominations:
2010 - Christian Music Hall of Fame Top 5 Christian Country Female Vocalist of the Year Nominee
2010 - February's #1 Christian Country Single on the Power Source 100 Chart "Come To The Well"
2009 - Inspirational Country Music Awards Top 5 Female Vocalist of the Year Nominess
2007 - Inspirational Country Music Award op 5 Female Vocalist of the Year Nominee
2006 - Inspirational Country Music Award Top 5 Female Vocalist and New Artist Nominee
2006 - John Lennon Songwriting Contest - Semi-Finalist / Gospel category.
2006 - International Songwriting Competition (ISC) - Semi-Finalist Christian/Gospel Category
2006 - Just Plain Folks Awards - Best Contemporary Christian Song nominee.
2006 - Daywind Records Talent Contest - Regional Finalist.
2006 - Merlefest's Chris Austin Songwriting Contest - 2nd place Gospel Category.
MEET MARY JAMES
If there's one thing that Mary understands, it's the transforming work of Christ. One to whom grace abounds, she is a testimony of the new life that is given to the sinner who repents and to the prodigal who returns. "I was a dead man walking," she says of her life before Christ. Now Mary is a new creation, empowered to bring a message of hope, renewal, and faith through the songs God has given her to share with the world.
UNWANTED
From the very beginning, Mary James' life has not been ordinary. Born to a teenager who was not ready to be a parent, she was given up for adoption and taken in by a pastor and his wife. Mary's adoption was never a secret and life at home was difficult. Mary's adoptive Mother suffered from alcoholism and died of cancer when Mary was only 13. Her Father spent his life dedicated to serving his congregation and was unable to spend much time with the family. These circumstances sparked in her a certain insecurity that remains to this day. "I have always had a feeling of being unwanted, of not being loved and accepted. I came to the place where I really just gave up on myself." This giving up was what led Mary to drugs, alcohol, and finally to life as a teenage runaway. "As a child I had no concept of who God was because I could not see Him in my daily life," she says.
THE CHANCE TO LIVE
Mary's first feeling of belonging came at 21 when she met her biological mother and finally understood how she had fought for her unborn baby's right to live. "Since abortions were illegal in the United States at that time, my Grandmother wanted my Mother to travel to Europe to end her pregnancy. In spite of the pressure, my Mom was willing to go through the pregnancy and all of the social stigmas related to being a pregnant teenager in order to give me a chance to live." Even though Mary did not know it yet, God had a plan for her.
MUSIC
For as long as Mary can remember, music has been a part of her life. Raised in a musical family, her talents were recognized at an early age when she began to sing solos in church and in school. Her teachers encouraged the budding talent, and Mary was given opportunities to train her voice and perform publicly at a young age. Despite a strong start and her own desire to succeed, Mary was not able to advance in the music industry as she had planned. "Every possible thing happened to deter me from pursuing music," she remembers. Mary went on to perform in clubs and network with other Southern California artists and songwriters, but it was all very empty.
REASON TO LIVE
Even though Mary grew up in church, she did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In spite of her separation from God, He was drawing her to Himself through the circumstances in her life. Strong Christian co-workers who were a witness to Mary invited her and her family to a play that shared the truth about sin and salvation. That night, Mary, her two children and fiancé accepted Christ. Mary's daughter, Jessica, remembers it as the day that they were "washed clean." And with that new life, Mary began to experience the fullness of what God had planned for her.
MUSIC WITH MEANING
After Mary gave her life to Christ; a passion was born in her for worship music and Christian songs. She began to serve in her local church as a worship leader and was given numerous opportunities to share her gifts at churches, women's retreats and other similar venues. But, it did not seem that God was through with Mary as an artist and songwriter, it was just the beginning.
Mary received a phone call one day from a man named Steve Wetherbee, a friend who had known her before Mary's new life began. He approached her with an offer: he wanted to record a CD of her songs, but wanted them to be Christian. This was just the encouragement that Mary needed, and was the beginning of the journey that has led her to the production of "Little Things", "Truth Cries Out" and now the long awaited “Beautiful Savior”.
TRUTH CRIES OUT
After long hours in the studio and even longer hours of faith lessons that inspired the songs on the album, Mary released her first full-length CD. Did she feel adequate to be the one bringing such a message? "So often the trials were so intense that I did not think I could keep going. My battle with stage fright was relentless. But God continued nudging me and I moved forward each day trusting that I was in His will, refusing to be a prisoner to fear and insecurity." It is her obedience to God and encouragement from fellow believers that has given Mary the courage to take the stage and give the message that is on her heart.
MARY'S HEART
And just what is that message? "A life led by Christ is sweet success - a life lived without Him is emptiness. I want to reach people who are seeking answers or are discouraged and remind them that God loves them beyond measure. Not only has He poured out His love on us through His Son Jesus, he has gifted each of us in our own unique way. I allowed lies to get in the way of truth for a long time, but not anymore. God's plan for each of us is one of a kind. He can use our past to impact the future...if we let Him."
JOURNEY WITH THE SAVIOR
God has opened many doors since Mary’s journey began, with a singing and speaking schedule now ranging from 70-100 dates per year. In addition, she is releasing her third full length CD in September of 2008, titled after the old hymn “Beautiful Savior”. Mary says, “As I sat down to pull all the pieces of this project together, I could not seem to settle on an appropriate title. The trend among many Christian artists is to be as original as possible and avoid “Christian-ese”. So, I bought into the myth that less Christian language would somehow be more attractive or have more impact on my audience. In my devotional time, God directed me to 1 Peter 2:9, which brought wonderful clarity to our charge in Christ. Paraphrased it says, “You have been saved to proclaim the excellence of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light”. And that is what I do through music, plain and simple. The songs of the new project focus on the One who gives us victory in the valleys or a song to sing even when the walls are falling down around us. No other title was more fitting than the one I chose, for Christ is the source of all joy, our “Beautiful Savior”. More than ever before, am I in love with the one who understands sacrifice, humility, and the power that love has over sorrows. I have met countless people who have faced, or are facing great trials, and they are still able to find joy because of the deep satisfaction they have found in knowing Jesus. I want the world to know Him and as long as He allows me to sing His praises, I will continue.
By the grace of God, Mary stands as a testimony of Jesus Christ and the work He can accomplish in a life yielded to His wonderful plan.
Instrumentation
Mary James - Vocals
Jessica Darlington - Background Vocals
Gary Livesay - Lead Guitar / Background Vocals
Dan Barker - Rhythm Guitar
Bob Sale - Drums
Mike Wiley - Bass
Barry Dubis - Keys
Discography
Beautiful Savior © 2008
Truth Cries Out © 2005
Little Things © 2001
Official Website
Links
Video
Press
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Troubadour - Beautiful Savior Album Review
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October 2009 Mary James Beautiful Savior Written by Mike Alvarez On her terrific new country...
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Album Of The Month ~ Beautiful Savior
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Mary is an independent west coast singer-songwriter who has produced her best work in this new album...
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Music Spotlight - Mary James - CD Review - Beautiful Savior
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Music Spotlight Mary James – Beautiful Savior: CD Review By RACHEL REID With such popularity...
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Christian Examiner Article by Dawn Wilson
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"Beauty From Brokenness" Breaking through her battle with shame, Mary James sings and testifies t...
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What People Are Saying......
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"Since our first women's event in San Diego in 2005, Mary James has been a friend of Daily Disciple...
Setlist
Set lists and show length are dictated by event requirements. The following options are available:
Concerts. Typically a blend of original music and limited covers. (Extensive songlist available upon request)
Concert and Keynote. Mary is also frequently contracted as a keynote speaker, weaving music throughout her message and testimony.
Worship only and Special Music. (Extensive songlist available upon request)

