Biography Judy James, Lady Balladeer of Texas, is at home on the concert stage as well as in schools.  A touring Artist with the Texas Commission on the Arts, Judy is a West Quest Award recipient, a nominee for female vocalist of the year by the Western Music Association and Academy of Western Artists, and also Academy of Western Artist nominee for DJ of the year for her weekly radio show.  With a voice that is rich, clear and mellow, she combines history with song, appearing in concerts, schools and festivals from Huntsville, TX to Great Falls, Montana; and from Joplin, Missouri to Elko, Nevada. At each concert, Judy does all she can to “Keep Our Western Heritage ALIVE”! Judy James was born in Hamilton, Texas to a family of singing, ranching, and banking heritage.  After graduating from high school where she was a member of the Texas All State Choir, she graduated from McMurry College in Abilene.  While at McMurry she was a member of the choir and many singing groups.  Performing music became a love. After graduation, she began a teaching career in Mesquite, Texas and five years later moved to Weatherford, Texas where she became the Middle School Choir Director and then the Weatherford High School Choir Director.  Her choir collected many prestigious awards including UIL awards, Best in Class awards, and performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City.   When the love of performing came calling again, she decided to sing the songs she loved, many of which she had learned from her parents in family singings.  Many of these songs were songs of our heritage concerning the American Cowboy, his principles, and his way of life.  Included are songs about the “Women of the West” and their special place in history.  These songs are included in every performance along with that little bit of history she gives to her audience about the songs.  You come away singing to yourself and knowing what you are singing about.