We recently connected with James Dale and have shared our conversation below.
James , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic comes from a combination of personal values and life experiences. First with my Mom and Dad. Growing up, I was taught the importance of discipline, responsibility, and perseverance. Watching people around me, and being inspired by mentors, to see them work hard and push through challenges instilled in me the belief that It’s about doing your best, even when no one is watching, and staying committed even when things get tough.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I discovered my love for music when I was just a child. My parents would play old records in the house and I would sing along and dance to the tunes. I started singing in front of people at my home church when i was 8, and I have been hooked ever since. My music style is a mix of everything. I like to blend different genres together, creating a unique sound that is both soothing and uplifting. I draw inspiration from my personal experiences and the world around me.
I have played for various events and venues for top brands such as, forbes 100 gala, Good morning America, SNL, Jimmy Fallon Live, Gucci NYFW and been privileged to come in contact with some of the most outstanding names in the music industry such as John Legend, Common, Fabulous, SIA, Fantasia, Harry Connick jr, Tyler Perry, and the late great Emily Cissy Houston. I always remember the feeling i felt and the energy that was present in those moments. Because of that It’s my honor to put on a show that engages the audience and leaves them feeling entertained and inspired. I currently have a live in concert album that’s available on all digital platforms as well as my first holiday project entitled a J.D holiday
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my career First and foremost, resilience. The entertainment industry is tough, and the ability to bounce back from rejection, criticism, or even failure is vital. There’s no way around it – you’ll face setbacks, but resilience allows you to learn from those moments and keep pushing forward.
Second, I’d say adaptability. The industry evolves constantly, whether it’s technology, trends, or audience preferences. Being open to change and willing to step outside of my comfort zone has been hard even now but it’s allowing me to grow in new directions and stay relevant. The willingness to evolve is what helps you stay ahead of the curve.
Lastly, emotional intelligence . That’s a struggle everyday but it plays a huge role the ability to connect with others – whether that’s with audiences, fellow performers, or industry professionals. Understanding how to read a room can make all the difference in building a lasting career.
For those just starting out my advice is this: Don’t rush the process, and be patient with yourself. Develop a strong sense of resilience early on by embracing failure as a learning opportunity. The path won’t always be easy, but with the right mindset and dedication, you can navigate the highs and lows and continue growing.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
The biggest area of growth for me would have to be the ability of trusting myself and my decisions the way I should. Sometimes we feel we need the advice or we need the help and we do at times! But before we do that im learning to take the time to listen to myself first trust what that feels like , pray. Then move forward
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thejdrevue.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay.jay.mann/profilecard/?igsh=dmVtbnVxMG16YTkw
- Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/jayjaymann?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYv7QxlinPQ5kh5XTuSayYuQps5b_V7hlqAgCFME0tFuoHp2Ob5HT8sBG4_aem_cYUfA4qKy8Wm8o1q3Q9a7g
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@officiallyjamesdale?si=eVb-EaCHhqD1Pkr1
Image Credits
John Sergio
Cebastien Chery
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