for his Contribution to a Contemporary Blues Album
Rick Lee James played a Key Role in Antonio Vergara’s The Fury Album.
The participation of Rick Lee James in Antonio Vergara’s acclaimed album The Fury has been recognized with a nomination for the 2025 Grammy® in the category of Best Contemporary Blues Album. This nomination marks a significant milestone in Rick’s career, who played a key role in creating a project that not only celebrates the roots of blues but takes them to new heights with its fusion of traditional and modern sounds.
The Fury, released on August 29, 2024, features 13 tracks that explore the richness of contemporary blues while incorporating innovation from artists around the world. With contributions from several international collaborators, the album stands out for its musical diversity and the impressive quality of its compositions. Rick was a part of this groundbreaking project, adding a unique layer of emotion and authenticity with his electric guitar stylings on the track, Guitar Tree.
A Key Contribution to The Fury
The participation of Rick Lee James in The Fury has been crucial to the album’s distinctive character. He joined a talented group of musicians and artists to create an album that goes beyond traditional blues, blending influences from various cultures and sounds. Their personal contribution highlights the depth of the project and underscores the impact of collaboration in contemporary music.
About RICK LEE JAMES
RICK LEE JAMES is an American singer-songwriter, chaplain, and podcast host from Springfield, Ohio. A member of the Recording Academy since 2021, Rick’s ministry spans over two decades, with his song Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing) becoming a national holiday favorite on radio and streaming platforms. In addition to his music, he serves as a full-time healthcare chaplain with Bon Secours Mercy Health and hosts Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), where he interviews notable Christian artists and theologians. Known for his compelling albums like Thunder, Basement Psalms Live, and Hymns, Prayers and Invitations, and his popular @MisterRogersSay account, Rick continues to uplift and inspire audiences through his music and ministry.
The Impact of The Fury
The Grammy® nomination for The Fury reflects the magic that is created when artists from around the world unite with a shared vision. With contributions from renowned international artists, the album has crossed borders and reached a global audience. The inclusion of Rick Lee James in this project highlights the power of music to connect people from different cultures and create a dialogue that transcends the musical.
This project reaffirms the place of Antonio Vergara and all of its collaborators at the forefront of contemporary blues, showing that the genre continues to evolve and resonate with new generations. The Grammy® nomination not only celebrates the individual talent of the artists but also the power of collaboration and the ability of music to transform and inspire.
—