Biography
Born the sole offspring of his parents in Savannah, Georgia, gospel mainstay James Bignon spent his formative years in New York City amid an extensive clan filled with vocalists, keyboardists, organists, and ministers. Church performances began for him at age five, and by eleven he was already crafting original songs. Watching his parents at the piano inspired self-taught proficiency that soon gave way to formal lessons and theory classes. Engagements with assorted ensembles preceded a road stint beside vocalist Dorothy Norwood that prompted a 1983 summons from Reverend Milton Biggham, who tapped him to helm the massive Georgia Mass Choir. Bignon’s command as vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and player proved essential to the group’s thriving discography. In 1995 he directed the ten-member unit showcased in Michael Flatley’s Riverdance, thereby exposing non-church listeners to his singular gospel style. Following his departure he kept issuing R&B-infused gospel for several additional years.
Albums
