Luke James

Did you know?!

1. Big break

   In 2013, Beyoncé personally chose Luke James to serve as an opening act on her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour.

2. First role

   In 2004, James launched his career as a member of Luke and Q, an R&B duo. The pair worked as backing vocalists for Tyrese, an R&B singer.

3. Early training

   At St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, James spent a brief period in a musical trio named Upskale, alongside Quinten Spears (known as Q) and Tah. That group led him to Frank Gatson, who became his longtime manager, director, and choreographer.

4. About the name

   James and Q went on to form a duo named Luke & Q, and in that group James took the stage name Luke The Singer.

5. Big break

   In 2016, James tried out for the part of Johnny Gill, the singer, in the BET miniseries The New Edition Story. A long time music associate, Elijah Kelley, had considered him for it.

6. Behind the camera

   James co-wrote hits for pop artists including Justin Bieber's "That Should Be Me," Britney Spears' "Kill the Lights" and Keri Hilson's "Do It."