James Otto Basic Facts:
Name: James Allen Otto
Birthdate: July 29, 1973
Birthplace: Fort Lewis, Washington
Instruments played:
James plays violin, saxophone and guitar.James Otto quote:
"As long as I can possibly remember, I've been obsessed with music."Musical influences:
Lynyrd Skynyrd, Johnny Cash, Allman Brothers Band
Suggested James Otto Songs:
- Download/Purchase "Just Got Started Lovin' You"
- Download/Purchase "For You"
- Download/Purchase "Sunset Man"
- Download/Purchase "Drink and Dial"
- Download/Purchase "These are the Good Ole Days"
Similar Artists:
Some other artists with music similar to James Otto
- Big & Rich
- Montgomery Gentry
- Travis Tritt
Recommended Albums:
- Days of Our Lives
- Sunset Man
James Otto Biography:
James Otto was born on July 29, 1973 in Fort Lewis, Washington. James was musical from an early age, singing from the age of four, and later taking saxophone and violin lessons. By the age of 13, he added guitar to his list of instruments.
After graduation, Otto enlisted in the Navy, where he served for two years. He moved to Nashville in 1998, and three years later joined the MuzikMafia, which consisted of John Rich, Gretchen Wilson, and others.
Major Label deal
James was signed to Mercury Nashville in 2002, where he recorded his first album, Days of Our Lives. He released two singles, "The Ball," and "Long Way Down," neither of which did very well on the charts.
The album was released in 2003, and did virtually nothing on the charts. Even so, Mercury signed him up to be labelmate Shania Twain's opening act on her Up! tour in 2004. After a couple more singles still didn't catch on, Otto exited the label.
Warner Brothers sees something in Otto
Although he didn't do well at Mercury, Warner Brothers saw something in the singer-songwriter, and signed him to their label in 2007. It was a gamble that paid off in spades, as his first single on the label, "Just Got Started Loving You" shot straight to No. 1.
Sunset Man was Otto's first album on Warner. The album was co-produced by pal John Rich (of Big & Rich), and Otto's brother-in-law, Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts.
Otto's popularity scored him a spot on Alan Jackson's Fall 2008 Good Time Tour, which also featured Trace Adkins.
