Country Cruising is a country music cruise planned by Flying Dutchmen Travel. The first cruise was the Blake Shelton and Friends Cruise. There were plans for Country Cruising cruises in 2014, 2015, and 2017. The fifth cruise will take place Nov. 12-18 of this year. It is a six-day cruise on Royal Carribean’Cruise Lines’ Serenade of the Seas. The cruise will visit Key West, Belize and Cozumel. The headliners for this year’s cruise are Ronnie Milsap, Trace Adkins, Love and Theft, Neal McCoy, Brett Kissel and Montgomery Gentry. James Wesley is one of nearly 30 artists playing on this year’s cruise.
When did you start singing? The first time my mother heard me sing was when I was three years old standing up in the back seat of my grandmas car singing COUNTRY ROADS by John Denver.
How would you describe your music? I would describe my music somewhat contemporary with my traditional voice.
Who are your musical influences? My musical influences were Marty Robbins, Merle Haggard, Elvis Presley. I guess you could say I have an old soul…lol.
What is your favorite concert you have attended? My favorite concert I attended was my very first concert. It was Alan Jackson and Randy Travis in Kansas City, MO.
What made it memorable? It was my very first concert and it was when I got these big to sing and play.
What is your favorite place to perform? My favorite place to perform are small up close and personal places.
What do you like about it? I like these places, because people listen to the music and what I love about it is that you can really read the crow.
Other than artists, who has been influential in your decision to become a singer? My grandpa Prosser played fiddle and harmonica and my grandma on my moms side played traditional Country music all the time throughout her house when we were over there.
What was the first song you wrote? Being from Kansas, I wrote a song called Kansas.
What is your favorite original song? My favorite original song is SEE YOU ON THE RADIO.
What was the inspiration behind it? The inspiration behind it was actually growing up listening to the radio and how when you hear a certain song it will take you back to that place or time in your life. It’s like a time line. How a song can take a bad day and make it better.
Anything else you would like to add? SEE YOU ON THE RADIO talks about how you can be driving down the road and you hear that certain song and it takes your mind to a warmer place and puts your feet in the sand. Music is an escape at times for sure.
Where can people hear your music? My music is in all social media outlets.
Have you played on Country Cruising before? If so, have many years have you played on Country Cruising? Yes. I have been in the Country Cruise … this will be my third time to perform with my band.
How will your shows on the ship be different than your regular shows? My shows will be a little different on the cruise, because I can throw in a different song or songs every show to change it up and make it more fun plus it will make it different than the same show every time I play.
Which port are you looking forward to the most? I am looking forward to checking out Belize. I have never been there before.