Colton James is scheduled to release his first EP on January 20, 2023, titled America. On the EP, which was produced by Colton James, the late Kim Tribble, and Jimmy Nichols, Colton co-wrote 6 of the 7 songs.
Colton also recently released his music video for his single "I Miss America" which you can watch below.
"I do it for the love of my family, for the love of my friends, for the love of my country, but mostly for the love of God. Without God, I wouldn’t be here.”
If this doesn’t sum up the roots of a down-to-earth country boy like Colton James, nothing will.
Colton’s country roots run deep, and were developed at a young age. What started as a truck ride to the fishing hole became a lifestyle. In the front seat of his father’s truck, Colton was treated to legends like George Jones, Keith Whitley, George Strait, and Merle Haggard. Both of his grandmothers played piano and organ, and his singing pipes come from his mother. “She has a beautiful voice and always sang with happiness, heart, and sincerity in church,” Colton recalls.
Over the years, Colton has perfected his songwriting and guitar playing skills resulting in opening for Toby Keith, Mark Chestnut, Chris Cagle, Joe Nichols, the Dixie Chicks, Lonestar, Keith Anderson, and Trick Pony. His most memorable performance was when he opened for Jason Aldean at Little Creek Amphibious Base, because it was here that 16,000 fans heard him play “Brave Men,” a powerful tribute to American troops. Colton’s moving lyrics earned him a standing ovation that night. “These men and women do something incredible for us. They deserve being recognized for the sacrifice they make and this is my small way of letting them know how much we appreciate them.”
Colton’s passion to help his country and community doesn’t stop with the military. He also shows his support for families, and victims battling cancer. Colton was given a flyer for a benefit put on by Kelly McCann, the manager of Towne Bank, for a local resident named Diane Stokle who was battling breast cancer. After hearing her story Colton put himself in her family’s shoes and imagined what he would do if it was his wife, mother, grandmother, or children battling the disease.
Being the family man and husband he is, Colton, “felt compelled to do something about it.” Colton sat down with renowned songwriter and founder of NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) and within an hour wrote “What Keeps Her Strong.” Colton says, “It was a gift from God that I awakened that night with the idea of ‘What Keeps Her Strong.’” Colton had the opportunity to sing the song to Diane before she passed away in May 2009. He remembers her smiling and not letting her battle keep her from living life to the fullest. Colton has been blessed with the opportunity to sing “What Keeps Her Strong” during The Race for the Cure, and for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
In his career, Colton has opened for established artists Toby Keith, Chris Cagle, The Dixie Chicks, and Jason Aldean. His single "I Miss America" has caught radio's attention as it has been starting to make waves over the air. With the release of America, Colton is making fast strides toward the next step in his career and taking on multiple projects whilst still maintaining his music.
One of those said projects includes Colton partnering up with Rick Dawson, owner of 2022 Kentucky Derby-winning thoroughbred Rich Strike, to launch RedSunset Entertainment, a Nashville-based upstart multimedia company. It is set to produce records, television, radio programming, and more.
When it comes to television and radio programming, Rick and Colton are working to bring Reel Water Cowboy, a show combining music, fishing, and cuisine from all over the world, to the big screen and the Reel Water Cowboy Radio Show. Both shows will be available in the coming months. Along with that, Colton feels strongly about giving back to veterans and their families and is starting a nonprofit in order to help aid and give back to them called the Land 4 Heroes Lodge.
Website: colton-james-music
Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialcoltonjames
Twitter: twitter.com/coltonjames101