In the tenth season of the well-known series American Idol, one contestant stood out to the eyes of many viewers because of his rocker appearance and attitude as well as his vocal prowess. He had been good enough to grab enough votes from the viewers to ensure that he stays in the show for some time. His appeal has already resulted to him being part of the Top 5 Idols, with a chance of making it to the finals.
Personal History
Durbin hails from the far Western seaboard of the United States. Coming from Santa Cruz, California, this 22-year old singer has a quite tragic past behind him that serve as inspiration for his success at the prestigious talent show. James was born on January 6, 1989 to Willy and Judy Settle-Durbin. Early on, the young boy has been influenced greatly by music. His father was a musician, but he died when the boy was 9 years old due to a drug overdose. Just afterwards, there came another blow to the young Durbin: the family doctor has found out that James has Asperger's and Tourette syndrome. Despite that, the boy's interest in pursuing a career similar to his father was unperturbed.
Aside from the medical conditions and the tragic loss of his father, James also had financial problems of his own before he had joined American Idol. At the age of 21, he had borne a child with his fiance, Heidi. The boy, named Hunter, is an inspiration for James who fondly calls him his "rock." Financial difficulties during this time made it had for the couple to afford even diapers for the baby.
Musical Experience
Credit for grooming James' talent would go Musicscool, a Santa Cruz-based school being run by Dale Ockerman. Ockerman can be remembered as the keyboardist as well as a guitarist for the band Doobie Brothers. As a part of the Musicscool, James got to perform with the GuitArmy, a group of students from the school that perform recreations of Led Zeppelin's music with an ensemble of guitars. He also guested with Ockerman's The White Ensemble , where his interpretation of the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" earned him a standing ovation from the audience during a concert in December 2008.
It's not a wonder that this young man from Santa Cruz is one of the Top 5 Idol contenders. With his passionate singing and raw talent, it wouldn't be a surprise if he becomes the ultimate Idol for the 10th season of the show.
Personal History
Durbin hails from the far Western seaboard of the United States. Coming from Santa Cruz, California, this 22-year old singer has a quite tragic past behind him that serve as inspiration for his success at the prestigious talent show. James was born on January 6, 1989 to Willy and Judy Settle-Durbin. Early on, the young boy has been influenced greatly by music. His father was a musician, but he died when the boy was 9 years old due to a drug overdose. Just afterwards, there came another blow to the young Durbin: the family doctor has found out that James has Asperger's and Tourette syndrome. Despite that, the boy's interest in pursuing a career similar to his father was unperturbed.
Aside from the medical conditions and the tragic loss of his father, James also had financial problems of his own before he had joined American Idol. At the age of 21, he had borne a child with his fiance, Heidi. The boy, named Hunter, is an inspiration for James who fondly calls him his "rock." Financial difficulties during this time made it had for the couple to afford even diapers for the baby.
Musical Experience
Credit for grooming James' talent would go Musicscool, a Santa Cruz-based school being run by Dale Ockerman. Ockerman can be remembered as the keyboardist as well as a guitarist for the band Doobie Brothers. As a part of the Musicscool, James got to perform with the GuitArmy, a group of students from the school that perform recreations of Led Zeppelin's music with an ensemble of guitars. He also guested with Ockerman's The White Ensemble , where his interpretation of the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" earned him a standing ovation from the audience during a concert in December 2008.
It's not a wonder that this young man from Santa Cruz is one of the Top 5 Idol contenders. With his passionate singing and raw talent, it wouldn't be a surprise if he becomes the ultimate Idol for the 10th season of the show.
About the Author:
Find out more about James Durbin through the James Durbin Music website. You can read more about his bio, his music and how you can show your support to this Santa Cruz, California-born crooner.
