Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                
Jump to content

James Fox (singer): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Rescuing 1 sources and tagging 0 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5
 
(35 intermediate revisions by 24 users not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:
|name = James Fox
|name = James Fox
|image = James Fox.jpg
|image = James Fox.jpg
|caption =
|caption = James Fox in August 2014
|background = solo_singer
|background = solo_singer
|birth_name = James Richard Mullett
|birth_name = James Richard Mullett
Line 10: Line 10:
|death_date =
|death_date =
|birth_place = [[Cardiff]], Wales
|birth_place = [[Cardiff]], Wales
|instruments = Voice guitar piano keyboards harmonica drums Bass [[mandolin]]
|instruments = Voice, guitar, piano
|genre = [[Rock music|Rock]], [[Pop music|Pop]]
|genre = [[Rock music|Rock]], [[Pop music|pop]]
|occupation = Singer-songwriter, vocalist, musician
|occupation = Singer-songwriter, vocalist, musician
|years_active = 1991–present
|years_active = 1991–present
Line 18: Line 18:
|website =
|website =
}}
}}
'''James Richard Mullett''' (born 6 April 1976), known professionally as '''James Fox''', is a Welsh pop singer, songwriter, pianist and guitarist. He represented the [[United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004]] in Istanbul. In 2008 he wrote and recorded the [[Cardiff City F.C.]] FA Cup Final song, "[[Bluebirds Flying High]]".
'''James Richard Mullett''' (born 6 April 1976), known professionally as '''James Fox''', is a Welsh pop singer, songwriter, pianist and guitarist. He represented the [[United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004]] in Istanbul. In 2008, he wrote and recorded the [[Cardiff City F.C.]] FA Cup Final song, "[[Bluebirds Flying High]]".


==Biography==
==Biography==
Fox was born in [[Cardiff]] and grew up in [[Gilfach]], [[Bargoed]], in the [[Rhymney Valley]], a former mining community in south-east Wales. Inspired by his musician father, Richard, Fox took piano lessons from the age of six, and later taught himself to play guitar, the drums, harmonica and mandolin.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}} He attended [[Heolddu Comprehensive School]].<ref>[https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/singer-james-fox-goes-back-2186100 "Singer James Fox goes back to school"], ''[[Wales Online]]'', 29 April 2008. Retrieved 8 November 2018.</ref>
Fox was born in [[Cardiff]] and grew up in [[Gilfach]], [[Bargoed]], in the [[Rhymney Valley]], a former mining community in south-east Wales. Inspired by his musician father, Richard, Fox took piano lessons from the age of six, and later taught himself to play guitar, the drums, harmonica and mandolin.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}} He attended [[Heolddu Comprehensive School]].<ref>[https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/singer-james-fox-goes-back-2186100 "Singer James Fox goes back to school"], ''[[Wales Online]]'', 29 April 2008. Retrieved 8 November 2018.</ref>


Fox is a passionate supporter of The Bluebirds, Cardiff City.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffcityfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10335~1185551,00.html |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20120630225654/http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10335~1185551%2C00.html |archivedate=30 June 2012 |title=Six String by James Fox |publisher=Cardiff City F.C. |date=7 December 2007 |accessdate=1 December 2013 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> He regularly turns out for The Bluebirds' charity teams, and played in both of the Legend Matches which marked the team's last game at [[Ninian Park]] and first game at the [[Cardiff City stadium]].
Fox is a passionate supporter of The Bluebirds, Cardiff City.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffcityfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10335~1185551,00.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630225654/http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10335~1185551%2C00.html |archive-date=30 June 2012 |title=Six String by James Fox |publisher=Cardiff City F.C. |date=7 December 2007 |access-date=1 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He regularly turns out for The Bluebirds' charity teams, and played in both of the Legend Matches which marked the team's last game at [[Ninian Park]] and first game at [[Cardiff City Stadium]].


===Professional career===
===Professional career===
Fox's professional musical career began at age 15, when along with elder brother Dean he toured the South Wales working man's clubs circuit, in various Rock Bands, After leaving school, he worked for twelve years as a singer on cruise ships and in pubs and clubs, both under his real name and the stage name Nick James. During this period with his brother Dean he wrote his first song, "Miners' Town", about Gilfach.
Fox's professional musical career began at age 15, when along with elder brother Dean he toured the South Wales working man's clubs circuit, in various bands, He worked for twelve years as a singer on cruise ships and in pubs and clubs, both under his real name and the stage name Nick James. In 2000, he formed the boy band Force 5 with his friend [[Kevin Simm]]. They worked mainly on Blackpool's [[Golden Mile (Blackpool)|Golden Mile]], before breaking up when Simm joined [[Liberty X]].


In 2003, he took part in the BBC's ''[[Fame Academy 2|Fame Academy]]'' and took the stage name James Fox. He came fifth and subsequently appeared on the albums ''Fame Academy: Bee Gees Special'' (Polydor, August 2003) and ''Fame Academy – The Finalists'' (Polydor, October 2003). He also duetted on the co-written track, "In Your Smile" which appeared on winner [[Alistair Griffin]]'s début album [[Bring It On (Alistair Griffin album)|''Bring It On'']]
In 2000, he formed the boy band Force 5 with his friend [[Kevin Simm]]. They worked mainly on Blackpool's [[Golden Mile (Blackpool)|Golden Mile]], before breaking up when Simm joined [[Liberty X]]. Simm's management company Hyperactive signed him as a solo artist, and also a backing singer and guitarist for other artists. He went on to support Liberty X, [[Ultra (British band)|Ultra]], [[Worlds Apart (boyband)|Worlds Apart]] and [[Wet Wet Wet]], and also undertook tours of entertainment for the Armed Forces in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]], Afghanistan and the [[Falkland Islands]].


⚫
The following year, he [[United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004|represented the UK]] in the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2004]] with the song "[[Hold Onto Our Love]]". It reached number 13 in the UK chart and finished 16th out of 24 finalists at the contest with 29 points. He later claimed that the voting had been biased.<ref name=BBC-2004-04-16>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/3719157.stm |title=Eurovision votes 'farce' attack |date=16 May 2004 |publisher=BBC }}</ref>
In 2003, he took part in the BBC's ''[[Fame Academy 2|Fame Academy]]'' and took the stage name James Fox. He came fifth, but the experience presented him with new career opportunities.


⚫
Fox was invited by [[Wayne David]] MP to sing the UK's Eurovision entry live at the [[British House of Commons|House of Commons]],<ref>[http://www.waynedavid.labour.co.uk/e2e95142-4d22-7624-f95b-5592e7a4f469 Wayne David MP: James Fox wins over Westminster] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005033854/http://www.waynedavid.labour.co.uk/e2e95142-4d22-7624-f95b-5592e7a4f469 |date=5 October 2011 }}</ref><ref name=BBC-2004-04-20>{{cite news |title=James wins MPs' Euro vote |publisher=BBC |date=20 April 2004 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/3642659.stm }}</ref> and also to perform at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office 'Meet the Neighbours' Festival. He was also invited to sing live at the [[Welsh Assembly]] in Cardiff.
Since then, Fox has represented the United Kingdom in the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2004|Eurovision Song Contest]], toured the United States and United Kingdom with musical theatre and as a solo artist. He has also had two Top 20 hits, his Eurovision entry "Hold Onto Our Love", and "Bluebirds Flying High" in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.esctoday.com/12256/uk_debut_album_from_james_fox/ |title=Eurovision Song Contest – Dusseldorf 2011 &#124; News – UK: Debut album from James Fox |publisher=Esctoday.com |date=6 September 2008 |accessdate=1 December 2013}}</ref>


⚫
Fox has performed his original songs across the United Kingdom and the United States of America, including [[The Bedford]]<ref name=YouTube-Bedford-2009>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8mudLDY_Po |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/O8mudLDY_Po |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=James Fox Live at the Bedford 22 April 2009 |publisher=YouTube }}{{cbignore}}</ref> at The [[Canal Room]] New York and The Regal Room in London, as well as in his home town.
===Eurovision===
⚫
Fox's first notable solo achievement as a musical artist was representing the UK in the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2004]] with the song "Hold Onto Our Love" – which also featured his brother Dean on drums, It reached number 13 in the UK chart. He finished 16th out of 24 finalists with 29 points. [[Terry Wogan]], [[Cheryl Baker]], Fox and his mother all complained that the voting had been biased.<ref name=BBC-2004-04-16>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/3719157.stm |title=Eurovision votes 'farce' attack |date=16 May 2004 |publisher=BBC }}</ref>


⚫
He has supported a number of artists. These include [[Lulu (singer)|Lulu]], [[Wet Wet Wet]], [[Natasha Bedingfield]], [[Clare Teal]],<ref name=YouTube-CT-2008>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hptizadU1CU |title=James Fox and Clare Teal – Moondance 2008 |publisher=YouTube }}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref> [[Honey Ryder (band)|Honey Ryder]], [[Will Young]] and [[Tina Turner]].<ref name=YouTube-CCBB-2007>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6OQG8EkoZk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/n6OQG8EkoZk |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=The Caudwell Children Bedrock Ball |year=2007 |publisher=YouTube }}{{cbignore}}</ref>
⚫
Following his performance of "Hold Onto Our Love" on BBC's [[Eurovision - Your Decision|Making Your Mind Up]] programme in April 2004, Fox was invited by [[Wayne David]] MP to sing the UK's Eurovision entry live at the [[British House of Commons|House of Commons]],<ref>[http://www.waynedavid.labour.co.uk/e2e95142-4d22-7624-f95b-5592e7a4f469 Wayne David MP: James Fox wins over Westminster] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005033854/http://www.waynedavid.labour.co.uk/e2e95142-4d22-7624-f95b-5592e7a4f469 |date=5 October 2011 }}</ref><ref name=BBC-2004-04-20>{{cite news |title=James wins MPs' Euro vote |publisher=BBC |date=20 April 2004 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/3642659.stm }}</ref> and also to perform at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office 'Meet the Neighbours' Festival. He was also invited to sing live at the [[Welsh Assembly]] in Cardiff. He and his brother, accompanied by session musicians performed the song twice on ''[[Top of the Pops]]'' 30 April and 7 May.


⚫
He has performed live for British troops on active service in [[Afghanistan]], [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]], [[The Falkland Islands]] and [[Iraq]] many times, as well as undertaking a number of charity performances. He was invited to perform twice at the [[Royal British Legion]] [[Remembrance Day]] Festival at the [[Royal Albert Hall]], in the presence of [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|the Queen]].<ref name=YouTube-RAH-FoR>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIuKw0vwZVc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/JIuKw0vwZVc |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=James Fox Don't Look Back in Anger at Royal Albert Hall |publisher=YouTube }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name=YouTube-RAH-FoR-2006>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za0_Ht9YfJI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/Za0_Ht9YfJI |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=James Fox – Anthem feat. Katherine Jenkins |publisher=YouTube }}{{cbignore}}</ref>
⚫
===Musical theatre===
⚫
In 2004, Fox went on to play [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] in the [[Bill Kenwright]] touring production of ''[[Jesus Christ Superstar]]'' to good reviews.<ref name=CoventryTelegraph>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-20096619 |title=Poppy appeal song written by James Fox and Sir Tim Rice |date=26 October 2012 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> Consequently, [[Tim Rice]] recommended him for the lead role in the [[Billy Joel]]/[[Twyla Tharp]] musical ''[[Movin' Out (musical)|Movin' Out]]'' in America. <!-- dead link to Big Brother fan site removed --> Fox won the role, and made his début on Broadway on 6 April 2005. He later joined the North American touring production of ''Movin' Out''.


In March 2006, Fox returned to the UK to take up the role of "Piano Man" in the European première of ''Movin' Out'' in [[West End theatre|The West End]] at the [[Apollo Victoria Theatre]].<ref>[http://www.lastminute.com/site/entertainment/theatre/reviews/movin-out-like-it.html Last Minute: Movin' Out at the Apollo Victoria Theatre] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604110023/http://www.lastminute.com/site/entertainment/theatre/reviews/movin-out-like-it.html |date=4 June 2009 }}</ref><ref name=BBC-2006-02-15>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4717106.stm |title=Joel musical launches in London |date=15 February 2006 |publisher=BBC }}</ref>
In 2007 he released ''Six String'', a six-track EP of original songs. He wrote "[[Bluebirds Flying High]]" which became the official [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] Football Club single for the [[2008 FA Cup Final]].<ref name=BBC-2008-04-08>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7337121.stm |title=Bluebirds in full song for final |date=8 April 2008 |publisher=BBC }}</ref>


⚫
In 2008, "Higher" the lead single from Fox's debut album ''Rocking Chairs And Lemonade'' was released on his own Plastic Tomato label. The single later became snooker ace [[Mark Williams (snooker player)|Mark Williams]] entrance music from the [[2010 World Snooker Championship]] onwards. The album included the tracks from ''Six String'', and five other original tunes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.motorbar.co.uk/cd_jamesfox.htm|title=James Fox - CD review by Maggie Woods|website=Motorbar.co.uk|access-date=2 April 2023}}</ref> That same year he co-wrote and recorded several tracks with [[Lucie Silvas]] for inclusion on her third studio album.
[[Billy Joel]] said, via a live video link-up at the press launch at [[Ronnie Scott's]] jazz club, "I'm particularly pleased that the incredibly talented James Fox will be returning to home turf; he has been wowing audiences here, and he's going to continue to do so there."<ref>[http://jamesfox.biz/#/tourhistory/4512653005 Devoted to James Fox: Tour History]</ref>


⚫
On 24 October 2012, Fox launched his single "Landlocked" with a live performance, its profits going to The Royal British legion's annual [[Poppy Appeal]]. He was joined on stage by [[Jon Green]] on rhythm guitar at the Poppy Appeal Launch gig in [[Trafalgar Square]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RealJamesFox/statuses/216492132658196480 |title=Twitter / RealJamesFox: Spent yesterday recording |publisher=Twitter.com |date=23 June 2012 |access-date=6 June 2014}}</ref>
Between October 2006 and January 2007, Fox rejoined the American tour of ''Movin' Out'', taking time off to return to the UK for a series of gigs. After this, he returned to the UK on a permanent basis.


⚫
===Musical theatre===
⚫
In July 2010, Fox took the role of Freddie "The American" Trumper in the 2010–2011 UK touring production of the Andersson/Rice/Ulveaus musical ''[[Chess (musical)|Chess]]'', opening in Newcastle.
⚫
In 2004, Fox went on to play [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] in the [[Bill Kenwright]] touring production of ''[[Jesus Christ Superstar]]'' to good reviews.<ref name=CoventryTelegraph>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-20096619 |title=Poppy appeal song written by James Fox and Sir Tim Rice |date=26 October 2012 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> Consequently, [[Tim Rice]] recommended him for the lead role in the [[Billy Joel]]/[[Twyla Tharp]] musical ''[[Movin' Out (musical)|Movin' Out]]'' in America. <!-- dead link to Big Brother fan site removed --> Fox won the role, and made his début on Broadway on 6 April 2005. He later joined the North American touring production of ''Movin' Out''.


In March 2006, Fox returned to the UK to take up the role of "Piano Man" in the European première of ''Movin' Out'' in [[West End theatre|The West End]] at the [[Apollo Victoria Theatre]].<ref>[http://www.lastminute.com/site/entertainment/theatre/reviews/movin-out-like-it.html Last Minute: Movin' Out at the Apollo Victoria Theatre] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604110023/http://www.lastminute.com/site/entertainment/theatre/reviews/movin-out-like-it.html |date=4 June 2009 }}</ref><ref name=BBC-2006-02-15>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4717106.stm |title=Joel musical launches in London |date=15 February 2006 |publisher=BBC }}</ref> [[Billy Joel]] said, via a live video link-up at the press launch at [[Ronnie Scott's]] jazz club, "I'm particularly pleased that the incredibly talented James Fox will be returning to home turf; he has been wowing audiences here, and he's going to continue to do so there."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://jamesfox.biz/#/tourhistory/4512653005 |title=Archived copy |access-date=1 December 2013 |archive-date=23 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111223054409/http://jamesfox.biz/#/tourhistory/4512653005 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Between October 2006 and January 2007, Fox rejoined the American tour of ''Movin' Out'', taking time off to return to the UK for a series of gigs. After this, he returned to the UK on a permanent basis.
==Notable performances==
⚫
Fox has performed his original songs across the United Kingdom and the United States of America, including [[The Bedford]]<ref name=YouTube-Bedford-2009>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8mudLDY_Po |title=James Fox Live at the Bedford 22 April 2009 |date= |publisher=YouTube }}</ref> at The [[Canal Room]] New York and The Regal Room in London, as well as in his home town.


⚫
In July 2010, Fox took the role of Freddie "The American" Trumper in the 2010–2011 UK touring production of the Andersson/Rice/Ulveaus musical ''[[Chess (musical)|Chess]]'', opening in Newcastle.
⚫
He has supported a number of artists. These include [[Lulu (singer)|Lulu]], [[Wet Wet Wet]], [[Natasha Bedingfield]], [[Clare Teal]],<ref name=YouTube-CT-2008>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hptizadU1CU |title=James Fox and Clare Teal – Moondance 2008 |date= |publisher=YouTube }}</ref> [[Honey Ryder (band)|Honey Ryder]] and [[Will Young]]


On 29 September 2012, Fox took over the shared role of [[Paul McCartney]] in [[The Beatles]] tribute show ''Let it Be'' at The Prince of Wales Theatre in London's West End. The show opened to mixed reviews.<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael Billington |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2012/sep/24/let-it-be-review |title=Let It Be – review &#124; Stage |work=The Guardian |date=24 September 2012 |access-date=1 December 2013}}</ref> In June 2013, Fox opened the Beatles themed tribute show ''Let It Be on Broadway''. Fox was the poster boy, starting in the promotional video singing "[[Let It Be (song)|Let It Be]]" in the style of Paul McCartney, and on sides of a New York City greyhound bus. Like the West End production the show opened to mixed reviews and closed six weeks into its proposed four-month run. Fox returned to the West End production before quitting in October 2013 after 12 months in the role. Fox returned to ''Let it Be'' in the West End in 2014 until the run finished on 20 September 2014.
On 18 May 2007, he performed at The Natural History Museum London as the support act for [[Tina Turner]] at the Bedrock Ball, a charity gala evening in aid of Cauldwell Children. The event marked Turner's return to live performance after a seven-year absence.<ref name=YouTube-CCBB-2007>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6OQG8EkoZk |title=The Caudwell Children Bedrock Ball |year=2007 |publisher=YouTube }}</ref>

⚫
He has performed live for British troops on active service in [[Afghanistan]], [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]], [[The Falkland Islands]] and [[Iraq]] on more than 160 occasions since 2000, as well as undertaking many charity performances. He was invited to perform twice at the [[Royal British Legion]] [[Remembrance Day]] Festival at the [[Royal Albert Hall]], in the presence of [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|the Queen]].<ref name=YouTube-RAH-FoR>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIuKw0vwZVc |title=James Fox Don't Look Back in Anger at Royal Albert Hall |date= |publisher=YouTube }}</ref><ref name=YouTube-RAH-FoR-2006>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za0_Ht9YfJI |title=James Fox – Anthem feat. Katherine Jenkins |date= |publisher=YouTube }}</ref>

In May 2010, Fox joined The Bonfires as keyboard player and backing vocalist. The band have performed at The Toybox, The Regal Room, [[The Bedford]] and the [[Isle of Wight Festival]].

In April 2012, Fox Joined [[Tenors of Rock]], a heavy metal band composed of seven musical theatre performers covering classic rock songs in a heavy metal-choral styling. On 28 June 2012, the group played a gig at The Scotch; it was to be the only gig Fox played with them, quitting in that July because of other work commitments.

On 29 September 2012 Fox took over the shared role of [[Paul McCartney]] in [[The Beatles]] tribute show ''Let it Be'' at The Prince of Wales Theatre in London's West End. The show opened to mixed reviews.<ref>{{cite web|author=Michael Billington |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2012/sep/24/let-it-be-review |title=Let It Be – review &#124; Stage |publisher=The Guardian |date= |accessdate=1 December 2013}}</ref>

⚫
On 24 October 2012, Fox formally launched his single "Landlocked" with a live performance, its profits going to The Royal British legion's annual [[Poppy Appeal]]. He was joined on stage by [[Jon Green]] on rhythm guitar at the Poppy Appeal Launch gig in [[Trafalgar Square]].

In June 2013, Fox opened the Beatles themed tribute show ''Let It Be on Broadway''. Fox was the poster boy, starting in the promotional video singing [[Let It Be (song)|Let It Be]] in the style of Paul McCartney, and on sides of a New York City greyhound bus. Like the West End production the show opened to mixed reviews and closed six weeks into its proposed four-month run.
Fox returned to the West End production before quitting in October 2013 after 12 months in the role to "Return to making my music, it's been fun, but I want my life back."

James returned to 'Let it Be' in the West End in 2014, playing Paul McCartney until the run finished on 20 September 2014

==Recording career==
In 2003, Fox duetted and played on the co-written track, "In Your Smile" which appeared on [[Alistair Griffin]]'s début album [[Bring It On (Alistair Griffin album)|Bring It On]]

In 2004, Fox recorded "[[Hold Onto Our Love]]", "Needing You" and "Something About Her" which were released across two CD singles.

In 2005, Fox, with [[Katherine Jenkins]], [[Andy Scott-Lee]], [[Stuart Cable]] and a host of other Welsh celebrities, recorded a cover version of The Carpenters' "Close To You" the promotional video for the song it was later used as an indent by [[BBC Wales]] before programmes<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR1Nwjulww4 |title=Katherine Jenkins – Close To You |publisher=YouTube |date= |accessdate=6 April 2013}}</ref>

In 2007 he released ''Six String'', a six-track EP of original songs.

He wrote "[[Bluebirds Flying High]]" which became the official [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] Football Club single for the [[2008 FA Cup Final]].<ref name=BBC-2008-04-08>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7337121.stm |title=Bluebirds in full song for final |date=8 April 2008 |publisher=BBC }}</ref>

⚫
In 2008, "Higher" the lead single from Fox's debut album ''Rocking Chairs And Lemonade'' was released on his own Plastic Tomato label and on iTunes. The single later became snooker ace [[Mark Williams (snooker player)|Mark Williams]] entrance music from the [[2010 World Snooker Championship]] onwards. The album included the tracks from ''Six String'', and five other original tunes.

Between October 2008 and January 2009, Fox co-wrote and recorded several tracks with [[Lucie Silvas]] for inclusion on her third studio album.

In 2009 he released ''Say What You Like'' on the Plastic Tomato label. In 2010 he recorded tracks released on sound cloud with The Bonfires. The following year, he re-recorded "Bluebirds Flying High" to mark Cardiff City reaching the Championship Play-off final at [[Wembley Stadium|Wembley]].

In June 2012, Fox recorded "Landlocked", written by himself with Pete Hobbs and [[Sir Tim Rice]].<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://twitter.com/RealJamesFox/statuses/216492132658196480 |title=Twitter / RealJamesFox: Spent yesterday recording |publisher=Twitter.com |date=23 June 2012 |accessdate=6 June 2014}}</ref> On 12 September Landlocked was announced as the Official [[Poppy Appeal]] Single for [[The Royal British Legion]]. On 21 October, "Landlocked" was released and Fox formally launched the track with a live performance joined by [[Jon Green]] on rhythm guitar at the Poppy Appeal Launch in Trafalgar Square on 24 October.


==Discography==
==Discography==
⚫
;Singles
*2004: "[[Hold Onto Our Love]]" (Sony records) UK #13, Wales #7<ref>{{Cite web|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 {{!}} Official Charts Company|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20040425/7501/|access-date=2021-03-07|website=Officialcharts.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.music-news.com/ShowNews.asp?H=Ocean-Colour-Scene-to-play-Hard-Rock&nItemID=17745 |title=Ocean Colour Scene to play Hard Rock |publisher=Music-News.com |access-date=6 April 2013}}</ref>
*2008: "Bluebirds Flying High" (Plastic Tomato records) UK #15<ref>{{Cite web|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 {{!}} Official Charts Company|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20080511/7501/|access-date=2021-03-07|website=Officialcharts.com|language=en}}</ref>
*2008: "Higher" (Plastic Tomato records)
*2009: "Say What You Like"
*2010: "Bluebirds Flying High (Playoff Final mix)"
*2012: "Landlocked"
*2018: "Hope"


;EP
===Compilation albums===
*2007: ''Six String'' (Plastic Tomato)
One track by Fox appeared on each of the official Fame Academy compilation albums, ''Fame Academy: Bee Gees Special'' (Polydor, August 2003) and ''Fame Academy – The Finalists'' (Polydor, October 2003).

Tracks by Fox also appeared on ''The Ultimate Eurovision Party'' (May 2008).

⚫
===Singles===
"Hold Onto Our Love", the official UK Eurovision entry for 2004, was released as a CD single in April 2004 on the [[Sony]] label. It reached No. 13 in the [[UK Singles Chart]] and No. 7 in the Welsh music charts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.music-news.com/ShowNews.asp?H=Ocean-Colour-Scene-to-play-Hard-Rock&nItemID=17745 |title=Ocean Colour Scene to play Hard Rock |publisher=Music-News.com |date= |accessdate=6 April 2013}}</ref> The single also contained the original tracks "Needing You" and "Something About Her".

"Bluebirds Flying High",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2o5FzD6_WU |title=Bluebirds Flying High. James Fox & Cardiff City Fc |publisher=YouTube |date=26 April 2008 |accessdate=6 June 2014}}</ref> the official [[FA Cup]] final song of [[Cardiff City F.C.]] was released on 5 May 2008 on the Plastic Tomato label and [[iTunes]]. The single attained the number one spot in the UK national indie singles chart and the Welsh singles chart.

"Higher"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xr0P21f_SpI |title=James Fox "Higher" Music Video |publisher=YouTube |date= |accessdate=6 June 2014}}</ref> written by Fox, Mads Hauge and [[Phil Thornalley]] was released on 22 October 2008, as the lead single from the album ''Rocking Chairs and Lemonade''.

"Say What You Like",<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXaEy4sYzlk&list=UUckdTCL-RgSCJ4L6gGKyJJg |title=Say What You Like- James Fox |publisher=YouTube |date=11 May 2009 |accessdate=6 April 2013}}</ref> the second single from ''Rocking Chairs and Lemonade'', was released on 27 April 2009. The single reached number No. 16 in the UK national indie singles chart.
"Bluebirds Flying High" (playoff final remix) was released on 17 May 2010 as a free download.

"Landlocked"<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISl4335Ns4g ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024141621/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISl4335Ns4g |date=24 October 2012 }}</ref> co-written by Fox with [[Sir Tim Rice]] became Official 2012 [[Poppy Appeal]] Single for [[The Royal British Legion]] released on 21 October 2012.

“Hope”
December 2018 Fox released the self-penned single Hope on iTunes and streaming sites, produced by long time friend and Song writer [[Jon Green]] a fusion of piano and guitar driven indie rock-pop angst and gospel choir it made the A-playlist at BBC radio Wales

===EP===
In December 2007 a six track CD of original songs entitled ''Six String'' ([[iTunes]]) was released independently by Plastic Tomato.


===Album===
;Album
*2008: ''Rocking Chairs And Lemonade'' (Plastic Tomato)<ref>{{Cite web|website=~Discogs.com|title=James Fox – Rocking Chairs And Lemonade (2008, CD)|date=10 November 2008 |url=https://www.discogs.com/James-Fox-Rocking-Chairs-And-Lemonade/release/13084904|language=en|access-date=2021-03-07}}</ref>
''Rocking Chairs And Lemonade'' was released via iTunes and on CD on 10 November 2008. It included the six tracks from Six String plus five other tracks. As well as songwriting, Fox played most of the instruments including guitar, piano, synthesiser, mandolin, bass, harmonica and drums. The album received good reviews and was compared to [[Take That]] and [[The Killers]].<ref>[http://www.motorbar.co.uk/cd_jamesfox.htm MotorBar: James Fox – Rocking Chairs And Lemonade]</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 146: Line 98:
[[Category:People from Bargoed]]
[[Category:People from Bargoed]]
[[Category:Welsh pop singers]]
[[Category:Welsh pop singers]]
[[Category:Welsh male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Welsh male singers]]
[[Category:British Eurovision Song Contest entrants]]
[[Category:Eurovision Song Contest entrants for the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Welsh male singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:Welsh singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:Welsh singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:Participants in British reality television series]]
[[Category:Eurovision Song Contest entrants of 2004]]
[[Category:Eurovision Song Contest entrants of 2004]]
[[Category:People educated at Heolddu Comprehensive School]]
[[Category:People educated at Heolddu Comprehensive School]]
[[Category:21st-century Welsh singers]]
[[Category:British male singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:21st-century male singers]]

Latest revision as of 10:36, 27 September 2024

James Fox
James Fox in August 2014
James Fox in August 2014
Background information
Birth nameJames Richard Mullett
Born (1976-04-06) 6 April 1976 (age 48)
Cardiff, Wales
GenresRock, pop
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, vocalist, musician
InstrumentsVoice, guitar, piano
Years active1991–present
Labels
  • Sony (2004)
  • Plastic Tomato (2007–2010)
  • Faraway Sound Recordings (2012)

James Richard Mullett (born 6 April 1976), known professionally as James Fox, is a Welsh pop singer, songwriter, pianist and guitarist. He represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 in Istanbul. In 2008, he wrote and recorded the Cardiff City F.C. FA Cup Final song, "Bluebirds Flying High".

Biography

[edit]

Fox was born in Cardiff and grew up in Gilfach, Bargoed, in the Rhymney Valley, a former mining community in south-east Wales. Inspired by his musician father, Richard, Fox took piano lessons from the age of six, and later taught himself to play guitar, the drums, harmonica and mandolin.[citation needed] He attended Heolddu Comprehensive School.[1]

Fox is a passionate supporter of The Bluebirds, Cardiff City.[2] He regularly turns out for The Bluebirds' charity teams, and played in both of the Legend Matches which marked the team's last game at Ninian Park and first game at Cardiff City Stadium.

Professional career

[edit]

Fox's professional musical career began at age 15, when along with elder brother Dean he toured the South Wales working man's clubs circuit, in various bands, He worked for twelve years as a singer on cruise ships and in pubs and clubs, both under his real name and the stage name Nick James. In 2000, he formed the boy band Force 5 with his friend Kevin Simm. They worked mainly on Blackpool's Golden Mile, before breaking up when Simm joined Liberty X.

In 2003, he took part in the BBC's Fame Academy and took the stage name James Fox. He came fifth and subsequently appeared on the albums Fame Academy: Bee Gees Special (Polydor, August 2003) and Fame Academy – The Finalists (Polydor, October 2003). He also duetted on the co-written track, "In Your Smile" which appeared on winner Alistair Griffin's début album Bring It On

The following year, he represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 with the song "Hold Onto Our Love". It reached number 13 in the UK chart and finished 16th out of 24 finalists at the contest with 29 points. He later claimed that the voting had been biased.[3]

Fox was invited by Wayne David MP to sing the UK's Eurovision entry live at the House of Commons,[4][5] and also to perform at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office 'Meet the Neighbours' Festival. He was also invited to sing live at the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff.

Fox has performed his original songs across the United Kingdom and the United States of America, including The Bedford[6] at The Canal Room New York and The Regal Room in London, as well as in his home town.

He has supported a number of artists. These include Lulu, Wet Wet Wet, Natasha Bedingfield, Clare Teal,[7] Honey Ryder, Will Young and Tina Turner.[8]

He has performed live for British troops on active service in Afghanistan, Bosnia, The Falkland Islands and Iraq many times, as well as undertaking a number of charity performances. He was invited to perform twice at the Royal British Legion Remembrance Day Festival at the Royal Albert Hall, in the presence of the Queen.[9][10]

In 2007 he released Six String, a six-track EP of original songs. He wrote "Bluebirds Flying High" which became the official Cardiff City Football Club single for the 2008 FA Cup Final.[11]

In 2008, "Higher" the lead single from Fox's debut album Rocking Chairs And Lemonade was released on his own Plastic Tomato label. The single later became snooker ace Mark Williams entrance music from the 2010 World Snooker Championship onwards. The album included the tracks from Six String, and five other original tunes.[12] That same year he co-wrote and recorded several tracks with Lucie Silvas for inclusion on her third studio album.

On 24 October 2012, Fox launched his single "Landlocked" with a live performance, its profits going to The Royal British legion's annual Poppy Appeal. He was joined on stage by Jon Green on rhythm guitar at the Poppy Appeal Launch gig in Trafalgar Square.[13]

Musical theatre

[edit]

In 2004, Fox went on to play Judas in the Bill Kenwright touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar to good reviews.[14] Consequently, Tim Rice recommended him for the lead role in the Billy Joel/Twyla Tharp musical Movin' Out in America. Fox won the role, and made his début on Broadway on 6 April 2005. He later joined the North American touring production of Movin' Out.

In March 2006, Fox returned to the UK to take up the role of "Piano Man" in the European première of Movin' Out in The West End at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.[15][16] Billy Joel said, via a live video link-up at the press launch at Ronnie Scott's jazz club, "I'm particularly pleased that the incredibly talented James Fox will be returning to home turf; he has been wowing audiences here, and he's going to continue to do so there."[17] Between October 2006 and January 2007, Fox rejoined the American tour of Movin' Out, taking time off to return to the UK for a series of gigs. After this, he returned to the UK on a permanent basis.

In July 2010, Fox took the role of Freddie "The American" Trumper in the 2010–2011 UK touring production of the Andersson/Rice/Ulveaus musical Chess, opening in Newcastle.

On 29 September 2012, Fox took over the shared role of Paul McCartney in The Beatles tribute show Let it Be at The Prince of Wales Theatre in London's West End. The show opened to mixed reviews.[18] In June 2013, Fox opened the Beatles themed tribute show Let It Be on Broadway. Fox was the poster boy, starting in the promotional video singing "Let It Be" in the style of Paul McCartney, and on sides of a New York City greyhound bus. Like the West End production the show opened to mixed reviews and closed six weeks into its proposed four-month run. Fox returned to the West End production before quitting in October 2013 after 12 months in the role. Fox returned to Let it Be in the West End in 2014 until the run finished on 20 September 2014.

Discography

[edit]
Singles
  • 2004: "Hold Onto Our Love" (Sony records) UK #13, Wales #7[19][20]
  • 2008: "Bluebirds Flying High" (Plastic Tomato records) UK #15[21]
  • 2008: "Higher" (Plastic Tomato records)
  • 2009: "Say What You Like"
  • 2010: "Bluebirds Flying High (Playoff Final mix)"
  • 2012: "Landlocked"
  • 2018: "Hope"
EP
  • 2007: Six String (Plastic Tomato)
Album
  • 2008: Rocking Chairs And Lemonade (Plastic Tomato)[22]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Singer James Fox goes back to school", Wales Online, 29 April 2008. Retrieved 8 November 2018.
  2. ^ "Six String by James Fox". Cardiff City F.C. 7 December 2007. Archived from the original on 30 June 2012. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  3. ^ "Eurovision votes 'farce' attack". BBC. 16 May 2004.
  4. ^ Wayne David MP: James Fox wins over Westminster Archived 5 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ "James wins MPs' Euro vote". BBC. 20 April 2004.
  6. ^ "James Fox Live at the Bedford 22 April 2009". YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
  7. ^ "James Fox and Clare Teal – Moondance 2008". YouTube.[dead YouTube link]
  8. ^ "The Caudwell Children Bedrock Ball". YouTube. 2007. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
  9. ^ "James Fox Don't Look Back in Anger at Royal Albert Hall". YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
  10. ^ "James Fox – Anthem feat. Katherine Jenkins". YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
  11. ^ "Bluebirds in full song for final". BBC. 8 April 2008.
  12. ^ "James Fox - CD review by Maggie Woods". Motorbar.co.uk. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  13. ^ "Twitter / RealJamesFox: Spent yesterday recording". Twitter.com. 23 June 2012. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  14. ^ "Poppy appeal song written by James Fox and Sir Tim Rice". BBC News. 26 October 2012.
  15. ^ Last Minute: Movin' Out at the Apollo Victoria Theatre Archived 4 June 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  16. ^ "Joel musical launches in London". BBC. 15 February 2006.
  17. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 23 December 2011. Retrieved 1 December 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  18. ^ Michael Billington (24 September 2012). "Let It Be – review | Stage". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  19. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100 | Official Charts Company". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  20. ^ "Ocean Colour Scene to play Hard Rock". Music-News.com. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
  21. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100 | Official Charts Company". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  22. ^ "James Fox – Rocking Chairs And Lemonade (2008, CD)". ~Discogs.com. 10 November 2008. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
[edit]
Preceded by United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest
2004 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=James_Fox_(singer)&oldid=1248046456"