Menu
James Bullard learned at an early age the value of hard work and faith. Being raised in the segregated South during of The Great Depression did not make for an easy life. But God had great things in store for James. At the young age of eight, God gave James a glimpse of what was to come: “As far as you can see, you can go.”
Years later, those words long since forgotten, James moved to Cleveland at the urging of his choir director. Although he supported himself as a mechanic, the music industry beckoned. Soon, his first group, the BOS Singers, was born.
He had only one problem—he had no idea how to manage a musical group.
A lifetime of adversity wouldn’t let him give up, however. He didn’t know the rules. So he made up his own. That set the course for the career of one of Black Gospel’s best known, and most loved, record executives. Throughout his career he won almost twenty Grammy Awards, founded Word Records’ Black Gospel division, and launched the Gospel careers of such greats as Shirley Caesar, Al Green, Slim and the Supreme Angels, and Lee Williams and the Spiritual QCs.
Follow James on his journey through the music industry, from his humble beginnings as an unknown performer in the sixties to the man in charge of the largest Black Gospel label in the world. His unforgettable story is a testament to what happens when a man gives himself over to his faith and lets God take the wheel.
James Bullard learned at an early age the value of hard work and faith. Being raised in the segregated South during of The Great Depression did not make for an easy life. But God had great things in store for James. At the young age of eight, God gave James a glimpse of what was to come: “As far as you can see, you can go.” Years later, those words long since forgotten, James moved to Cleveland at the urging of his choir director. Although he supported himself as a mechanic, the music industry beckoned. Soon, his first group, the BOS Singers, was born. He had only one problem—he had no idea how to manage a musical group.
A lifetime of adversity wouldn’t let him give up, however. He didn’t know the rules. So he made up his own. That set the course for the career of one of Black Gospel’s best known, and most loved, record executives. Throughout his career he won almost twenty Grammy Awards, founded Word Records’ Black Gospel division, and launched the Gospel careers of such greats as Shirley Caesar, Al Green, Slim and the Supreme Angels, and Lee Williams and the Spiritual QCs.
Follow James on his journey through the music industry, from his humble beginnings as an unknown performer in the sixties to the man in charge of the largest Black Gospel label in the world. His unforgettable story is a testament to what happens when a man gives himself over to his faith and lets God take the wheel.
Originally from Atmore, Alabama, James Bullard has won nearly twenty Grammy Awards for his sterling work in Black Gospel music and has worked with luminaries such as Al Green, Shirley Caesar, and The Mighty Clouds of Joy. Still involved in the business these days, he mentors young performers and has returned to Atmore to enjoy the fruits of his labor. As Far As You Can See is his first book.
Watch and listen to James discuss key concepts and stories from As Far As You Can See!
In 1979, I believe it was. The Gospel Music Association and Nashville were asked to put on a gospel concert at the White House for President Carter.
Raising the Bar in Gospel Music. Gospel music back in the early days was not considered to be an enticing music.
Roadshow Records actually hired me to handle Shirley Caesar, to build her as a household name, to make her just that acceptable.
