There are multiple artists called James King: 1) James King is a US bluegrass singer and guitarist. James King was born Sept. 9, 1958, in Martinsville, Va., and grew up in Carroll County — one of the most fertile breeding grounds for bluegrass and old-time musicians. James’ father, Jim, and his uncle, Joe Edd, were both musicians of note. As James entered his teens, he began to take the music seriously too, particularly the music of his fellow Virginians, the Stanley Brothers.