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BIOGRAPHY OF JAMES CANNINGS
JAMES CANNINGS, international recording musician/businessman, accomplished guitarist, keyboardist, composer, arranger, songwriter, producer, TV host and studio engineer—is a virtual one-man band.Through a unique blend of comedy, dance, music, and lecture routines, Cannings also offers programs in Substance Abuse, Social Studies, and Multi-Cultural/Global Studies. His hit single, "Don't Drink and Drive," is a staple in Junior High Schools in New York. He has performed it for students via the NYC Department of Transportation's Safety and al Alcohol Awareness Month. (April)A degree from Baruch College in International Marketing facilitates management of all aspects of his career. "Music is a business", he explains. " Cannings founded J.C. Records, JGC Entertainment Co., Can Can Music Publishing, and co-founded Capricorn Audio and Video Cassette Duplication Company. He also was founder and owner of Cannings Recording Studio, Inc.,—the first and only black-owned 24-track studio in Manhattan during the time of its existence.Recently, Cannings is proud of sharing his reggae/world vision with US Presidents. By invitation of former President Carter, he was a guest at the White House in 1979; and his files boast responses from Presidents Reagan, Clinton and from NYC´s first African American Mayor, Mayor David Dinkins — acknowledging both their receipt of his music and consideration of his opinions.In. 2001, the United Nations passed resolution A/RES/55/282 designating Sept. 21, of each year as International Peace Day. "As an entertainer/ businessman I am committed to world peace." James, sponsored through ACHEE, www.achee.org has and continues to perform for all vigils since 2001. Vigils are held each year at New York City's Central Park Bandshell. Visit: www.idpvigil.com for International Peace Day up to date info.James Cannings has been releasing records since 1975. His first single on Empire Records (U.S.A)— released in the W.I., Africa and Canada by WIRL Records— was #32 on the top 40 charts of WHSB radio in the U.S. Tyrone Downie, keyboardist with Bob Marley & the Wailers programmed James´ U.S. A/C crossover record "As Time Goes On", that was listed in the 1986 Gavin Report Adult Contemporary Chart. Downie played keyboards on this recording. James also was instrumental in the initial career development of ("Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot") Arrow. On "The Best of James Cannings," album Arrow sings background vocals on "Dayo."Cannings has performed many times on U.S. national TV on the Joe Franklin Show. James hosts the "James Cannings Special," aired on Manhattan Neighborhood Network. His recent interview with Judy Massa on Voice of America's "Border Crossings" was transmitted around the world via satellite, short-wave radio and the Internet.Cannings is quoted several times in the book "JACO, The World's Greatest Bass Player." Jaco Pastorius, bassist with Joni Mitchell and "Weather Report," performed with—and was a roommate of—Cannings. In 1998 James performed in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem Israel. His CDs are also available at Tower Records in Tel Aviv, Israel. See Jerusalem Post Article Feb. 8, 2000. In Cuba he performed with the Cuban band Jovenes Clasicos del Son at the Cuban Jazz Festival. Recently James traveled to Amsterdam where he performed for Special Ed. Students on behalf of the A2A Music Convention. In the summers of '97, '99, 2001 and 2005, Cannings performed at PANAFEST in Ghana. In 2005 James performed in Ethiopia at Mother Theresa's Orphanage for the HIV infected orphan kids. In London 2002, James performed at the Kashmirklub, Flute's Bar and was interviewed on London's Choice FM radio. In October 2003 James toured Austria (sponsored by Atelier Zeller: www.zeller.at) where he also performed at the Hofburg. (Palace of Austrian Royalty, now the home of the Austrian President)To date, Cannings has recorded five full-length albums: "Music For All Seasons," "Moments," "Mother Loves Her Children," "The Best of James Cannings," See Midem 2000 Cannes, France Article and "All That Jazz and Blues " - officially in the 48th GRAMMY AWARDS ENTRY LIST 2005. According to Julian Newby - Midem Preview 2003 - "James has re-released his digitally re-mixed album ´All That Jazz and Blues, ´ featuring Cannings´ Jazz mentor and friend the late Frank Hewitt, and released in his memory." - PATRICIA BOOTHE © 1998 J.C. RECORDS™
