Billboard charting sensation D Train is an iconic and multi-faceted artist who, for decades, has left an indelible mark on music, his influence transcending genre and time.
A singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, producer, and actor, D Train embodies a force of nature with a creative genius that can soothe the soul or ignite a fire.
A true artist in every sense of the word, D Train is celebrated for his rich tapestry of musical influences. His deep-cut inspirations span the entire spectrum of genre, from the smooth sensuality of R&B and the uplifting power of gospel, to the raw energy of dance and rock. D Train’s versatile vocals showcase influences like Nat King Cole, The Jacksons, Tony Bennett, Al Green and Bobby Womack. The result is a sound that captures a timeless fusion of past and present, speaking to the heart and moving the soul. In a world of fleeting trends and disposable hits, D Train’s music stands tall as a testament to the enduring power of true artistry.
D Train started off as a collaborative musical partnership composed of James “D-Train” Williams, lead vocalist and songwriter, and Hubert Eaves III, a talented instrumentalist and keyboardist from Brooklyn, NYC, during the early 1980s. The duo first rose to fame in the early 1980s with the release of their debut album “You’re the One for Me,” which was released via Prelude Records. The album quickly spawned the #1 spot on the Billboard Dance chart, thanks to its titular hit single. Moreover, the album showcased another iconic chart-climbing track, “Keep On,” and D Train’s rendition of the timeless Burt Bacharach classic, “Walk On By.”
Building on their early triumphs, D Train released the popular dance-floor ready album “Music” in 1983. The album showcased their signature style and further solidified their presence in the music scene. Then in 1984 the hit title track from their album “Something’s On Your Mind” broke into the Billboard Hot 100 and was later covered by Miles Davis on his album You’re Under Arrest. These achievements ultimately led to D Train’s signing with Columbia Records soon after.
By 1985, a compilation album titled “You’re the One for Me – The Very Best Of” hit shelves in the U.K. and gained momentum overseas. Despite their achievements, Hubert and James from D-Train parted ways the same year and James “D Train” Williams set out to embark on a solo music career.
In 1986, D Train, a solo artist, unveiled his first studio album entitled “Miracles of the Heart” under Columbia Records. The album’s standout single, “Misunderstanding,” swiftly climbed the Billboard charts, securing a spot in the Top 10 of R&B hits, while the romantic ballad “Oh, How I Love You, Girl” peaked at #22. The album itself rose to #51 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart, solidifying D Train’s legacy in music.
His second studio album “In Your Eyes” was released in 1988, securing the #46 spot on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart with lead single making waves at #11 on the R&B charts. Then under his own artist label in 2006, D Train released his third studio album “701 Franklin Avenue”.
As a prolific songwriter, D Train has written for numerous artists including Patti Austin, George Duke, Carl Anderson, Cheryl Lynn, John P. Key, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong to name a few. His vocals have been featured on songs by Michael Jackson, Elton John, Vanessa Williams, Carrie Underwood, Cher, Luther Vandross and Mary J. Blige.
D Train has worked on numerous films, TV shows and video games including Pokémon, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, and Grand Theft Auto V. He is considered one of the leading jingle vocalists in the industry and one of his favorite career moments is when he hosted “The D Train Show” for many years on Sirius Satellite Radio Channel 51 Heart & Soul.
Other major career highlights for D Train include his performances at Madison Square Garden and the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., sharing the stage with Garth Brooks, Sheila E., Steve Winwood, Snoop Dogg, Herbie Hancock, Bruce Springsteen and many others. In the fall of 2015, D Train was summoned by the Archdiocese of New York to perform “On Eagle’s Wings” at Madison Square Garden for Pope Francis’ visit to New York City.
With an exciting new album on the horizon, the iconic D Train is driving the music train forward into 2024 and beyond.