Kenneth Gordon better known by his stage name Tyler James, is an English singer and songwriter signed to Island Records. James's debut single, "Why Do I Do?", made an appearance on the UK Singles Chart in 2004, peaking at number twenty-five. His debut studio album, The Unlikely Lad, was released through Island Records on 29 August 2005. In 2012 James appeared as a contestant on the first series of The Voice UK, making it through to the live final of the show, eventually finishing as the joint runner-up behind series winner Leanne Mitchell Following his success on The Voice UK, James released his second album, A Place I Go, which peaked at number 47 on the UK Albums Chart.
Music career
2001–2005: ''The Unlikely Lad''
After guesting on the underground R&B track "Wilder" by Stargate in 2001, which became a nightclub favourite in London, James got his first taste of celebrity. In 2002, after touring around the UK's bars, pubs and clubs; evolving his sound and performance, James had garnered enough reputation to be hailed as "The British answer to Justin Timberlake" by The Face magazine, whilst NME hailed him as "one to watch". Tyler James was signed to Island Records in 2003 after they heard a demo tape featuring his future debut single, "Why Do I Do?". The reggae flavoured song made the 'A' playlist on BBC Radio 2, and entered the UK Singles Chart at No. 25. In early 2004, James toured the UK with best friend Amy Winehouse. In early 2005, James toured with Natasha Bedingfield and in the spring of 2005, his second single "Foolish" was released, which reached No. 16 on the UK chart. The success of the song saw his first appearance on BBC Television's Top of the Pops. July 2005, James' third single was released. Originally a No. 1 hit for White Town in, James covered "Your Woman". "Your Woman" reached No. 60, whilst his album The Unlikely Lad was released as a digital download in August 2005. The album includes three songs co-written with Amy Winehouse, who also features on the track "Best for Me". In August 2005, James was supposed to perform at the V Festival, but cancelled due to 'unforeseeable circumstances'. Later that year he toured with McFly, but due to the disappointing chart performance of "Your Woman", James was dropped by Island Records and his debut album was not released on CD at the time. The album was later released on CD on 2 July 2012, following his success on The Voice.
2012–: ''The Voice UK'', ''A Place I Go'' and ''Amy'' movie
In 2012, James auditioned for The Voice UK, appearing in the third of four 'Blind Audition' shows. With coaches will.i.am, Jessie J, Tom Jones and Danny O'Donoghue, James initially performed the track " The Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding. The performance was met with a positive reception from both Jessie J and will.i.am, though it was the latter who opted to have James on his team. During the show's 'Battle Rounds', James was pitted against 25-year-old Heshima Thompson, winning the performance of "Yeah 3x" by Chris Brown and advancing to the live shows. During the first live show, James performed the James Vincent McMorrow version of "Higher Love" by Stevie Winwood, and was saved by judge will.i.am. In the third live show, James performed Terence Trent D'Arby's "Sign Your Name". The performance saw James land in the bottom three alongside Joelle Moses and Frances Wood, though his place in the semi-final was awarded by coach will.i.am. In the semi-final, James performed Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" – and was voted into the final by the public over fellow contestant Jaz Ellington; joining Bo Bruce, Leanne Mitchell and Vince Kidd from Team Danny, Team Tom and Team Jessie respectively. In the final, James performed three tracks: "I'll Be There", "OMG" with will.i.am and "Higher Love" for a second time. Alongside singer Bo Bruce, James was announced as the series' runner-up behind Leanne Mitchell.
Performances
On Monday 10 December 2012 Tyler achieved a lifelong ambition by featuring on the Ken Bruce show on Radio 2. The segment of the show is "Tracks of my Years" where the guest is usually a legend of the popular music world and they choose two tracks each day of the show that have huge meaning to themselves. It was confirmed in July 2012 that James had signed a new joint record deal with Island Records and Universal Music Group and had begun work on his second studio album. James then announced in August that the album's lead single, "Single Tear", would be released in the United Kingdom on 7 October; with the albumA Place I Go following on 29 October. James confirmed he had worked with various producers and songwriters for A Place I Go, including The Voice coach will.i.am, Fraser T Smith and Guy Chambers who wrote and produced "Single Tear". The album charted at number 47 on the UK Albums Chart. In 2015, James starred in a documentary film, Amy that was released in theatres on 3 July about his late friend Amy Winehouse.
Personal life
Tyler James grew up in the Canning Town area of London and moved to Camden Town area of the city in his late teens. James met Amy Winehouse at the age of 13 when they both trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School. In 2009, James was admitted to a rehabilitation clinic to treat an alcohol addiction. Following his recovery, James lived with Winehouse.
