Maye James
President, Unique Artistry and Hampton Marketing
Maye James began her career in the music
industry working as the personal manager of her childhood
friend, "The First Lady" of Motown, singer Mary
Wells. Mary Wells' career skyrocketed with the #1 Motown hit
"My Guy." After touring extensively with Ms Wells
and other Motown era superstars, Maye James worked with labels
such as Scepter Records (Dionne Warwick and B.J. Thomas) and
Roadshow Records (Tina Turner, B.T. Express, Brass Construction
and Enchantment) as Vice President of promotions. Ms James
has been featured in such publications as Ebony and Jet magazines
for being the first black female to hold this title.
In addition to being a record executive,
Ms James has also worked in radio. As Assistant Program Director
and Music Director of New York's WBLS, Maye James managed
the entire programming staff and was part of the team responsible
for WBLS' great success during the 1980s. She was solely responsible
for creating "Hal Jackson's Sunday Classics" a show
which went on to become the #1 Music program in New York City
in its time slot! With her foresight for change, she was also
responsible for bringing Rap music to top ranked radio in
a major market, via radio personality "Mr. Majic!"
Mr. Majic's weekend broadcast was so successful, it prompted
rival New York stations to make Rap a part of their formats
as well! Her hard work and perseverance started a "Hip
Hop Revolution," first in the New York area and eventually
all over the country!
Maye James eventually segued back into an
executive seat at a record label and served as General Manager/Black
Music for SBK Records. During her tenure, she spearheaded
the success of platinum selling artists Technotronic and Vanilla
Ice!
Today, her concentration has been on doing
independent projects for major labels, as well as consulting
with various artists on their career issues.
Her knowledge in all aspects of the music
and entertainment industry, including her experience working
with the "original" artist development system and
her ability to work with people of all ages and backgrounds
make Maye James a "bonafide" music notable!
We salute Maye James a NABFEME Shero! Thank
you for the doors you and your career have opened.
|
