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Parson James
open-in-new
<h2 id="biography">Biography</h2> <p>James was born Ashton Parson in <a href="/facts/Cheraw%2c_South_Carolina/BeK2eNp9">Cheraw</a> of an <a href="/facts/Interracial_relationship/ICc2byUm">interracial relationship</a>, with his father being black and his mother white. His mother, just 16, was kicked out of her parents' house because of the relationship. He and his single mother faced hardship in <a href="/facts/Cheraw%2c_South_Carolina/BeK2eNp9">Cheraw, South Carolina</a>, where he was born and raised and where he grew up singing hymns in church.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:1" href="#fn:1"><sup>1</sup></a> At 17, he decided to move to New York City, partly because he wanted wider possibilities than his conservative hometown would offer to a <a href="/facts/Bi-racial/6Lw9XVgR">bi-racial</a> and <a href="/facts/Homosexuality/gNy8Nvl0">gay</a> young man.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:2" href="#fn:2"><sup>2</sup></a> </p><p>James signed with <a href="/facts/RCA_Records/bp1jLxvU">RCA Records</a> in early 2015 after the release of his first single, "<a href="/facts/Stole_the_Show/cCamuzX1">Stole the Show</a>", a collaboration he co-wrote with <a href="/facts/Kygo/LCtcGP8v">Kygo</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:3" href="#fn:3"><sup>3</sup></a> The song became a hit in a number of countries<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:4" href="#fn:4"><sup>4</sup></a> as well as receiving certifications in Italy, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom. The video to the song was released at the <a href="/facts/YouTube_Music_Awards/Vdjs9e33">YouTube Music Awards</a>, with the duo also performing a cover of <a href="/facts/Tove_Lo/vNnJBgb4">Tove Lo</a>'s single "<a href="/facts/Habits_(Tove_Lo_song)/P3xYAaF9">Habits</a>" on <a href="/facts/BBC_One/t4SaSm6X">BBC One</a>'s <a href="/facts/Live_Lounge/IX7Pd3lE">Live Lounge</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:5" href="#fn:5"><sup>5</sup></a> </p><p>Parson followed-up with his solo debut, "Sinner Like You", a song produced by Elof Loelv.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:6" href="#fn:6"><sup>6</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:7" href="#fn:7"><sup>7</sup></a> In addition to releasing his own music under RCA, he has collaborated with additional artists including on the song "Insomnia" by <a href="/facts/Audien/vI8TwQRD">Audien</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:8" href="#fn:8"><sup>8</sup></a> </p><p>On February 5, 2016, he released his extended play release <i>The Temple EP</i> on Sony Music with a full studio album due later in the year on RCA Records. The EP included the title track "Temple", plus "Slow Dance with the Devil", "Sinner Like You", his great hit "Stole the Show" and finally "Waiting Game". James also appeared on <i><a href="/facts/Late_Night_with_Seth_Meyers/7AVPgb6N">Late Night with Seth Meyers</a></i> performing "Temple" from the EP after having been featured with Kygo in February 2016, performing "Stole the Show" live on <i><a href="/facts/The_Tonight_Show_Starring_Jimmy_Fallon/umwDSLBQ">The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon</a></i> alongside Kygo. The track "Waiting Game" from <i>The Temple EP</i> got huge exposure when <a href="/facts/Trent_Harmon/bTBRx01e">Trent Harmon</a>, a contestant in <a href="/facts/American_Idol_(season_15)/mhGg8Hvm">season 15</a>, the last season of the <i><a href="/facts/American_Idol/o7a9Tl0g">American Idol</a></i> performed it after a suggestion by judge and mentor <a href="/facts/Keith_Urban/LmgjmaCX">Keith Urban</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:9" href="#fn:9"><sup>9</sup></a> In April 2016, James was featured on the cover and in the pages of <i><a href="/facts/Hello_Mr./XXmyCKxk">Hello Mr.</a></i>,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:10" href="#fn:10"><sup>10</sup></a> and in November 2016 was picked as "<a href="/facts/Elvis_Duran/PcsHm9G4">Artist of the Month</a>" by <a href="/facts/Elvis_Duran/PcsHm9G4">Elvis Duran</a> performing his single "Sad Song" during the NBC's <i><a href="/facts/Today_(U.S._TV_program)/WRY0PJgB">Today</a></i> show with <a href="/facts/Kathie_Lee/o8YtEV29">Kathie Lee</a> and <a href="/facts/Hoda_Kotb/KGGo9Den">Hoda Kotb</a>. </p> <h2 id="discography">Discography</h2> <h3>Extended plays</h3> <table><tbody><tr><th scope="col" rowspan="2">Details</th><th scope="col" rowspan="2">Track list</th><th colspan="1">Peak chart position</th></tr><tr><th scope="col"><a href="/facts/Heatseekers_Albums/hSXJX01n">US Heat</a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:11" href="#fn:11"><sup>11</sup></a></th></tr><tr><th scope="row"><i>The Temple</i></th><td><ul><li>Released: February 5, 2016</li><li>Label: <a href="/facts/Sony_Music/G2expBwI">Sony Music</a></li><li>Format: Digital download</li></ul></td><td><ol><li>"Temple" (4:09)</li><li>"Slow Dance with the Devil" (3:27)</li><li>"Sinner Like You" (3:50)</li><li>"Stole the Show" (3:51)</li><li>"Waiting Game" (3:52)</li></ol></td><td>20</td></tr></tbody></table> <h3>Singles</h3> <h4>As lead artist</h4> List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name<table><tbody><tr><th>Title</th><th>Year</th><th>Album</th></tr><tr><th scope="row">"Religion"</th><td>2014</td><td>Non-album single</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">"Sinner Like You"</th><td rowspan="3">2015</td><td rowspan="3"><i>The Temple EP</i></td></tr><tr><th scope="row">"<a href="/facts/Stole_the_Show/cCamuzX1">Stole the Show</a>"(Solo version)</th></tr><tr><th scope="row">"Temple"</th></tr><tr><th scope="row">"Sad Song"</th><td>2016</td><td rowspan="13">Non-album singles</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">"<a href="/facts/Tennessee_Whiskey_(song)/fV1XPrNV">Tennessee Whiskey</a>"<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:12" href="#fn:12"><sup>12</sup></a> (with <a href="/facts/Stan_Walker/nEfbr5gw">Stan Walker</a>)</th><td rowspan="3">2017</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">"If You're Hearing This"(with Hook N Sling & Betty Who)</th></tr><tr><th scope="row">"Only You"</th></tr><tr><th scope="row">"Minute"</th><td rowspan="2">2019</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">"Oh Love"(with Wrabel & VINCINT)</th></tr><tr><th scope="row">"High Tide, Low Tide"</th><td rowspan="2">2020</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">"Bigger"(Duet Version) (with <a href="/facts/Stan_Walker/nEfbr5gw">Stan Walker</a>)</th></tr><tr><th scope="row">"Dirty Laundry" (featuring <a href="/facts/JoJo_(singer)/oN0D0XC1">JoJo</a>)</th><td rowspan="1">2021</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">"Little Fires"</th><td rowspan="3">2023</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">"Call Your Friends"<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:13" href="#fn:13"><sup>13</sup></a> (with Flavia)</th></tr><tr><th scope="row">"Right Now"<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:14" href="#fn:14"><sup>14</sup></a> (with Vandelux)</th></tr><tr><th scope="row">"Let Me Love You"<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:15" href="#fn:15"><sup>15</sup></a> (with Sistek)</th><td>2024</td></tr></tbody></table> <h4>As featured artist</h4> List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name<table><tbody><tr><th scope="col" rowspan="2">Title</th><th scope="col" rowspan="2">Year</th><th scope="col" colspan="11">Peak chart positions</th><th scope="col" rowspan="2"><a href="/facts/List_of_music_recording_certifications/6CPQFNNn">Certifications</a></th><th scope="col" rowspan="2">Album</th></tr><tr><th scope="col"><a href="/facts/Dance%2fElectronic_Songs/PEdFnU3r">USDance</a></th><th scope="col"><a href="/facts/ARIA_Charts/aUXUHRK7">AUS</a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:16" href="#fn:16"><sup>16</sup></a></th><th scope="col"><a href="/facts/%25C3%25963_Austria_Top_40/3B0L8Tj0">AUT</a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:17" href="#fn:17"><sup>17</sup></a></th><th scope="col"><a href="/facts/SNEP/lT0tPFLb">FRA</a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:18" href="#fn:18"><sup>18</sup></a></th><th scope="col"><a href="/facts/GfK_Entertainment_Charts/bGrgjxKn">GER</a></th><th scope="col"><a href="/facts/Single_Top_100/wFjNkofC">NL</a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:19" href="#fn:19"><sup>19</sup></a></th><th scope="col"><a href="/facts/VG-lista/gHbBmrR7">NOR</a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:20" href="#fn:20"><sup>20</sup></a></th><th scope="col"><a href="/facts/Official_New_Zealand_Music_Chart/Ukp3oqXG">NZ</a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:21" href="#fn:21"><sup>21</sup></a></th><th scope="col"><a href="/facts/Sverigetopplistan/Br6GrFEd">SWE</a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:22" href="#fn:22"><sup>22</sup></a></th><th scope="col"><a href="/facts/Swiss_Hitparade/GsbuC0fn">SWI</a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:23" href="#fn:23"><sup>23</sup></a></th><th scope="col"><a href="/facts/UK_Singles_Chart/s2yyGUlD">UK</a></th></tr><tr><th scope="row">"<a href="/facts/Stole_the_Show/cCamuzX1">Stole the Show</a>" (<a href="/facts/Kygo/LCtcGP8v">Kygo</a> featuring Parson James)</th><td rowspan="2">2015</td><td>11</td><td>53</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>4</td><td>1</td><td>3</td><td>24</td><td><ul><li><a href="/facts/IFPI/h3f3zMVv">IFPI</a> NOR: 3× Platinum</li><li><a href="/facts/British_Phonographic_Industry/G1QjcwBq">BPI</a>: Silver</li><li><a href="/facts/RIAA/8a7K0Ubf">RIAA</a>: Platinum<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:24" href="#fn:24"><sup>24</sup></a></li></ul></td><td><i><a href="/facts/Cloud_Nine_(Kygo_album)/FWYhqfsb">Cloud Nine</a></i></td></tr><tr><th scope="row">"Insomnia"<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:25" href="#fn:25"><sup>25</sup></a> (<a href="/facts/Audien/vI8TwQRD">Audien</a> featuring Parson James)</th><td>32</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td></td><td>Non-album single</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">"River"<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:26" href="#fn:26"><sup>26</sup></a> (<a href="/facts/The_Knocks/4sSr9LPI">The Knocks</a> featuring Parson James)</th><td>2021</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td></td><td><i>History</i></td></tr><tr><th scope="row">"Lonely Tonight"(<a href="/facts/Sam_Feldt/9P251NBy">Sam Feldt</a> featuring <a href="/facts/Justin_Jesso/xDnjwR5C">Justin Jesso</a> and Parson James)</th><td>2025</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td></td><td><i>Time After Time</i></td></tr><tr><td colspan="15">"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released.</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="external-links">External links</h2> <ul><li><a href="http://www.parsonjamesofficial.com/">Parson James official website</a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160101152346/http://www.parsonjamesofficial.com/">Archived</a> January 1, 2016, at the <a href="/facts/Wayback_Machine/nmQ3a6JC">Wayback Machine</a></li></ul> <h2 id="references">References</h2> <ol> <li id="fn:1"><p>Stern, Bradley (June 23, 2015). "Popcrush Presents: Parson James". Pop Crush. Retrieved September 16, 2015. <a href="http://popcrush.com/popcrush-presents-parson-james-stole-the-show/" target="_blank">http://popcrush.com/popcrush-presents-parson-james-stole-the-show/</a> <a href="#fnref:1" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:2"><p>Andre Wheeler (February 29, 2016). "Meet Rising LGBT Singer Parson James". Out.com. Retrieved April 6, 2016. <a href="http://www.out.com/music/2016/2/29/exclusive-meet-rising-lgbt-singer-parson-james" target="_blank">http://www.out.com/music/2016/2/29/exclusive-meet-rising-lgbt-singer-parson-james</a> <a href="#fnref:2" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:3"><p>Cooper, Duncan (August 20, 2015). "The Original Version of Kygo's 'Stole The Show' Slays Too". The Fader. Retrieved September 17, 2015. <a href="http://www.thefader.com/2015/08/20/kygo-stole-the-show-original-parson-james" target="_blank">http://www.thefader.com/2015/08/20/kygo-stole-the-show-original-parson-james</a> <a href="#fnref:3" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:4"><p>Stern, Bradley (June 23, 2015). "Popcrush Presents: Parson James". Pop Crush. Retrieved September 16, 2015. <a href="http://popcrush.com/popcrush-presents-parson-james-stole-the-show/" target="_blank">http://popcrush.com/popcrush-presents-parson-james-stole-the-show/</a> <a href="#fnref:4" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:5"><p>Middleton, Ryan (May 5, 2015). "Kygo, Parson James Cover Tove Lo 'Habits' in BBC1 Live Lounge". Music Times. Retrieved September 17, 2015. <a href="http://www.musictimes.com/articles/37706/20150505/kygo-parson-james-cover-tove-lo-habits-bbc1-live-lounge.htm" target="_blank">http://www.musictimes.com/articles/37706/20150505/kygo-parson-james-cover-tove-lo-habits-bbc1-live-lounge.htm</a> <a href="#fnref:5" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:6"><p>"Listen to Parson James' superb debut solo single Sinner Like You". Chart Shaker. July 26, 2015. Retrieved September 17, 2015. <a href="http://chartshaker.com/2015/07/26/listen-to-parson-james-superb-debut-solo-single-sinner-like-you/" target="_blank">http://chartshaker.com/2015/07/26/listen-to-parson-james-superb-debut-solo-single-sinner-like-you/</a> <a href="#fnref:6" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:7"><p>Wass, Mike (April 24, 2015). "Parson James Signs With RCA Records: Check Out His Kygo Collaboration 'Stole the Show'". Idolator. Retrieved September 17, 2015. <a href="http://www.idolator.com/7590456/parson-james-rca-records-signing-kygo-collaboration-stole-the-show-video" target="_blank">http://www.idolator.com/7590456/parson-james-rca-records-signing-kygo-collaboration-stole-the-show-video</a> <a href="#fnref:7" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:8"><p>Vain, Madison (July 1, 2015). "Audien's Lady Antebellumcollaboration 'Something Better' is everything you need to feel good today". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved September 17, 2015. <a href="http://www.dancingastronaut.com/2015/03/audien-insomnia-feat-parson-james/" target="_blank">http://www.dancingastronaut.com/2015/03/audien-insomnia-feat-parson-james/</a> <a href="#fnref:8" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:9"><p>"Parson James's 'Waiting Game' Featured on American Idol; Watch Video for 'Temple'". BroadwayWorld.com. <a href="https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Parson-Jamess-Waiting-Game-Featured-on-AMERICAN-IDOL-Watch-Video-for-Temple-20160401" target="_blank">https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Parson-Jamess-Waiting-Game-Featured-on-AMERICAN-IDOL-Watch-Video-for-Temple-20160401</a> <a href="#fnref:9" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:10"><p>Lee, Peter Ash (April 14, 2016). "5 Things We Learned About Southern Singer Parson James from Hello Mr". OUT. Retrieved September 20, 2016. <a href="http://www.out.com/entertainment/2016/4/14/5-things-we-learned-about-southern-singer-parson-james-hello-mr" target="_blank">http://www.out.com/entertainment/2016/4/14/5-things-we-learned-about-southern-singer-parson-james-hello-mr</a> <a href="#fnref:10" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:11"><p>"Parson James - Chart History | Billboard". Billboard. <a href="http://www.billboard.com/artist/6771466/parson-james/chart" target="_blank">http://www.billboard.com/artist/6771466/parson-james/chart</a> <a href="#fnref:11" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:12"><p>"Tennessee Whiskey (single) by Stan Walker and Parson James". iTunes Australia. May 5, 2017. Retrieved May 5, 2017. <a href="https://music.apple.com/au/album/tennessee-whiskey-single/1229029824" target="_blank">https://music.apple.com/au/album/tennessee-whiskey-single/1229029824</a> <a href="#fnref:12" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:13"><p>"Call Your Friends - Single by FLAVIA & Parson James". Apple Music Australia. November 9, 2023. Retrieved May 5, 2024. <a href="https://music.apple.com/au/album/call-your-friends-single/1722063482" target="_blank">https://music.apple.com/au/album/call-your-friends-single/1722063482</a> <a href="#fnref:13" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:14"><p>"Right Now (With Parson James) - Single by Vandelux & Parson James". Apple Music Australia. December 14, 2023. Retrieved May 5, 2024. <a href="https://music.apple.com/au/album/right-now-with-parson-james-single/1720027180" target="_blank">https://music.apple.com/au/album/right-now-with-parson-james-single/1720027180</a> <a href="#fnref:14" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:15"><p>"Let Me Love You - Single by Sistek & Parson James". Apple Music Australia. January 12, 2024. Retrieved May 5, 2024. <a href="https://music.apple.com/au/album/let-me-love-you-single/1720727816" target="_blank">https://music.apple.com/au/album/let-me-love-you-single/1720727816</a> <a href="#fnref:15" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:16"><p>"Parson James discography". australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved November 14, 2016. <a href="http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Parson+James" target="_blank">http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Parson+James</a> <a href="#fnref:16" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:17"><p>"Parson James discography". austriancharts.at. Hung Medien. Retrieved November 14, 2016. <a href="http://austriancharts.at/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Parson+James" target="_blank">http://austriancharts.at/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Parson+James</a> <a href="#fnref:17" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:18"><p>"Parson James discography". lescharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved November 14, 2016. <a href="http://lescharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Parson+James" target="_blank">http://lescharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Parson+James</a> <a href="#fnref:18" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:19"><p>"Parson James discography". dutchcharts.nl. Hung Medien. Retrieved November 14, 2016. <a href="http://dutchcharts.nl/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Parson+James" target="_blank">http://dutchcharts.nl/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Parson+James</a> <a href="#fnref:19" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:20"><p>"Parson James discography". norwegiancharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved November 14, 2016. <a href="http://norwegiancharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Parson+James" target="_blank">http://norwegiancharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Parson+James</a> <a href="#fnref:20" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:21"><p>"Parson James discography". charts.nz. Hung Medien. Retrieved November 14, 2016. <a href="https://charts.nz/search.asp?cat=s&search=Parson+James" target="_blank">https://charts.nz/search.asp?cat=s&search=Parson+James</a> <a href="#fnref:21" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:22"><p>"Parson James discography". swedishcharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved November 14, 2016. <a href="http://swedishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Parson+James" target="_blank">http://swedishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Parson+James</a> <a href="#fnref:22" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:23"><p>"Parson James discography". hitparade.ch. Hung Medien. Retrieved November 14, 2016. <a href="http://hitparade.ch/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Parson+James" target="_blank">http://hitparade.ch/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Parson+James</a> <a href="#fnref:23" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:24"><p>"American single certifications – Kygo – Stole The Show". Recording Industry Association of America. <a href="https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Kygo&ti=Stole+The+Show&format=Single&type=#search_section" target="_blank">https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Kygo&ti=Stole+The+Show&format=Single&type=#search_section</a> <a href="#fnref:24" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:25"><p>Farella, Dylan (March 3, 2015). "Audien – Insomnia (feat. Parson James)". Dancing Astronaut. Archived from the original on May 20, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2018. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160520121507/https://dancingastronaut.com/2015/03/audien-insomnia-feat-parson-james/" target="_blank">https://web.archive.org/web/20160520121507/https://dancingastronaut.com/2015/03/audien-insomnia-feat-parson-james/</a> <a href="#fnref:25" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:26"><p>"River (feat. Parson James) - Single by The Knocks on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved November 27, 2021. <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/album/river-feat-parson-james-single/1589497002" target="_blank">https://music.apple.com/us/album/river-feat-parson-james-single/1589497002</a> <a href="#fnref:26" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> </ol>