Born in Brooklyn, New York, James “D-Train” Williams was steeped in gospel before studying music at Columbia University, where he met keyboardist and producer Hubert Eaves III. The partnership became the duo D-Train, and in 1981 they stormed the clubs with “You’re the One for Me,” a sleek, synth-driven anthem that helped define the post-disco era. The song became a major dance hit in the U.S. and U.K., setting the stage for their debut album, You’re the One for Me, a project that fused electronic textures with unmistakable soul phrasing.
The group D-Train had a nice run of hits in the 1980s, but one of their most impactful songs was an unexpected cover of Carole King’s Tapestry acoustic pop classic, “So Far Away.” Featuring sparse arrangements and powerful lead vocals, this version of “So Far Away” completely reimagined the song as a soul ballad, and it became a Quiet Storm staple for over a decade.
We don’t hear the D-Train version of “So Far Away” very often anymore, but it deserves another listen. So it’s our latest SoulTracks Lost Gem. Check it out below.
