James Burris aka “Petawane”

Photo credit: Screenshot

Official Biography (courtesy of James Burris aka “Petawane”)

James Burris aka “Petawane” (pronounced Pee-tah-wayne) was born and in the Village of Harlem, NYC. He began putting on impromptu performances at the request of his Dad to entertain his friends. It was then realized he wanted to be a performer. He embarked on a mission to fulfill his dream ever since.

Known as a “Young Old Soul”, Petawane counts as his influences Sam Cooke, Nat “King” Cole, Teddy Pendergrass, Willie Hutch, Curtis Mayfield, groups like The Five Stairsteps, The Jackson Five, The Sylvers, The Chi-Lites, The Moments, and The Delfonics. It is to their standards that he has raised the bar for himself. He has found a way to channel their passionate energy into his performances, all while maintaining a delivery that is vintage yet fresh and cutting-edge, allowing him to connect with audiences of all ages with the soulful depth and sincerity of his rich tenor Voice and descriptive Lyrics…. 

Petawane has been blessed to open for artists that are much like the audiences he moves through his vocal versatility of classic soul music. They range from R. Kelly, Ginuine, Meli’sa Morgan, Melba Moore, Millie Jackson, The Late Ben E. King, Patti LaBelle, Black Ivory, The Ladies of Skyy, Double Exposure, the Late Johnny Kemp and many more… 

His talents have taken him all the way to the World Famous Apollo Theater in his birth place Harlem, NYC. Petawane is a three time “Showtime at the Apollo” winner from 2007 and in 2012, he was a BET/ CENTRIC T.V. “APOLLO LIVE” season one contestant. He has been invited to the “Harlem Week Summer Stage” as the main attraction and he was a special requested guest performer for the Historical Lenox Lounge’s last night in business.

Petawane is now the newest member of the legendary group Double Exposure.

 

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