Parson James

Parson James (born June 7, 1994) is an American singer and songwriter. He is best known for his single "Stole the Show", a collaboration with Norwegian producer Kygo. The song became a hit in a number of countries as well as receiving certifications in Italy, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom. He has collaborated with various artists including on the song "Insomnia" by Audien. On February 5, 2016, he released his extended play release The Temple EP on Sony Music with a full studio album due later on RCA Records.

Biography James was born Ashton Parson in Cheraw of an interracial relationship, with his father being black and his mother white. His mother, just 16, was kicked out of her parents' house because of the relationship. He and his single mother faced hardship in Cheraw, South Carolina, where he was born and raised and where he grew up singing hymns in church. At 17, he decided to move to New York City, partly because he wanted wider possibilities than his conservative hometown would offer to a bi-racial and gay young man.

James signed with RCA Records in early 2015 after the release of his first single, "Stole the Show", a collaboration he co-wrote with Kygo. The song became a hit in a number of countries

Parson followed-up with his solo debut, "Sinner Like You", a song produced by Elof Loelv. In addition to releasing his own music under RCA, he has collaborated with additional artists including on the song "Insomnia" by Audien.

On February 5, 2016, he released his extended play release The Temple EP on Sony Music with a full studio album due later in the year on RCA Records. The EP included the title track "Temple", plus "Slow Dance with the Devil", "Sinner Like You", his great hit "Stole the Show" and finally "Waiting Game". James also appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers performing "Temple" from the EP after having been featured with Kygo in February 2016, performing "Stole the Show" live on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon alongside Kygo. The track "Waiting Game" from The Temple EP got huge exposure when Trent Harmon, a contestant in season 15, the last season of the American Idol performed it after a suggestion by judge and mentor Keith Urban. In April 2016, James was featured on the cover and in the pages of Hello Mr., and in November 2016 was picked as "Artist of the Month" by Elvis Duran performing his single "Sad Song" during the NBC's Today show with Kathie Lee and Hoda Kotb.

Discography Extended plays Details Track list Peak chart position US Heat The Temple Released: February 5, 2016 Label: Sony Music Format: Digital download "Temple" (4:09) "Slow Dance with the Devil" (3:27) "Sinner Like You" (3:50) "Stole the Show" (3:51) "Waiting Game" (3:52) 20

Singles As lead artist

As featured artist + List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album USDance AUS AUT FRA GER NL NOR NZ SWE SWI UK "Stole the Show" (Kygo featuring Parson James) 2015 11 53 2 1 2 3 1 4 1 3 24 IFPI NOR: 3× Platinum BPI: Silver RIAA: Platinum Cloud Nine "Insomnia" (Audien featuring Parson James) 32 — — — — — — — — — — "River" (The Knocks featuring Parson James) 2021 — — — — — — — — — — — History "Lonely Tonight"(Sam Feldt featuring Justin Jesso and Parson James) 2025 — — — — — — — — — — — Time After Time "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released.