12 Facts About James Francies

James Francies was born on 1995 and is an American jazz pianist, keyboardist, composer, and arranger.

James Francies grew up in Houston but moved to New York to continue his musical studies.

James Francies began having piano lessons at the age of five, and learning about jazz at junior high school.

James Francies went on to attend the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston.

James Francies played at the church that his parents attended, and formed a jazz trio at the age of 14 that performed for three years.

At high school, James Francies was awarded a series of jazz scholarships to aid his musical development.

James Francies played piano on one track for Watts's album Blue, Vol.

James Francies came to the attention of Questlove, who used him as a stand-in for his regular keyboardist, including for television appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

James Francies roomed with pianist Aaron Parks for three years from 2015.

James Francies is part of vibraphonist Stefon Harris's Blackout, and played on that band's Sonic Creed album.

James Francies's debut recording as leader came after he signed for Blue Note Records.

James Francies won the "Rising Star Keyboards" award in DownBeat magazine's 2022 critics' poll.