Today we’d like to introduce you to James “Teddy” DeWalt Jr.
Hi James “Teddy”, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started singing at the age of three. According to my mom I danced on her couch singing, Remember the Time by Michael Jackson which is still one of my fav songs. By the time I was six, I had learned a lot of Whitney Houston & Chaka khan music because it fit my high-pitched voice at that time. Until I turned 12, at that point my voice had dropped drastically and I had to learn how to be a tenor and what songs fit my voice. That was when my dad introduced me to Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Gerald Levert, and Stevie wonder to help find familiar artists to my voice. Between 12-18, I had participated and won multiple town talent competitions, plays and even sang the national anthem for the sports games at my school. From there, I sang in Morgan state university choir, auditioned for American Idol, the voice, Winning 1st place at the Legendary Apollo Theatre in NYC, as well as Performing on the NJPAC historic stage and gathered my own personal band to have for performances. Which lead me to where I am now, living in my truth on stage singing all across the world. Outside of singing, I have gained a wide network of following from Being one of the few Big & Tall Models to walk runway for Major Fashion designers such as Milano Di Rouge & Burning Guitar. Also to be featured on a Billboard in Center City Philadelphia, PA in a Know Your Status campaign. All while being a single father to a beautiful nine years old princess name Jordyn.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not smooth lmao at all. I have embarrassed myself forgetting words, I cried multiple times on stage. Yes a grown man crying 😂. Over time I had to learn what works for me, had to find my sound and build a team or believes in me and trusts that we can go on stage have fun perform and share our gifts with the world. I have had so many issues with SOUND 😑, COMPENSATION, and Promotion all seem to be the worst parts of my “journey to the top”.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Male Vocalist. I specialize in live performances with a live band. I don’t box myself into one genre but my most requested songs are “can we talk” & “Tennessee Whiskey”. I’m known as the singing Teddy Bear 🧸 much like Ruben Studdard from American Idol. I also have my hand in Modeling as a Big & Tall XL model, event production, & event management under my company DEWALT PRODUCTIONS. However, what sets me apart is my energy and experience, every show with me is an open door to walking in the light of God. When people do what they are placed on this earth to do, they shine. I’m meant to sing for the world and be on stage. Up there, I am a vulnerable, swaggy, hurt, strong, inspiring, fun person who is encouraging YOU that whatever happens outside of the doors don’t matter just to live in this moment and enjoy life.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Timing & Marketing are everything. Invest in promotion especially a social media manager. I feel like had I taken that more seriously I could be so much further in my career. Also nothing is perfect, don’t stress over things looking perfect. Focus on how it feels. Meditate, protect your energy, mind, body and soul. Lastly, this is about your story NO ONE WILL TELL IT LIKE YOU. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF THERE’S ENOUGH SPACE FOR EVERYONE.
Pricing:
- Funeral: $250
- Birthday: $250
- Spotlight Artist no band 1 hour: $500
- Spotlight w/ Band 1 hour w/ sound: $1200
Contact Info:
- Email: Talenteddewalt@icloud.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cancerteddy/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.dewalt.180
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCaYHVPv8E1Npy7kCoDO_OAw
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/album/r-i-o-t-single/1568552021
Image Credits
Sound girl photography Steve Robinson Photography Vi3ions by Brihem J. Pearwood Brands- Custom event design & decor Lalus Vegan Cafe The Melanin Market FeelsATL
