James was born into a musical family in
Nashville, Tennessee. Her mother was the pianist at her local church, her sister sang with the
Clara Ward Singers, and some of her cousins were professional musicians. James herself sought inspiration in listening to blues singers at vaudeville shows and from her mother's record collection. In 1966, James had a top ten hit single with "That's My Man", a song she composed, released by
Excello Records. In 2013, she recorded "Back in the Day" at Washington's Jefferson Street Sound recording studios. It recalled the time when Jefferson Street was lined with smoke-filled nightclubs, which played host to
Little Richard,
B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix and James. James helped retired musicians in need, by founding the Marion James Aid Society. In addition, for more than 30 years, she organized a Musicians Reunion Benefit. She led a campaign to erect two statues, of Jimi Hendrix and Little Richard, on Jefferson Street. Her career was highlighted in an exhibit at the
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum entitled "Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues 1945–1970". James died on December 31, 2015, at the age of 81, in her hometown, from the effects of a stroke. ==Discography==