Julia Fordham

Fans: 2,469

- Bio

British Singer Songwriter Julia Fordham burst into the music scene in 1988 on Virgin Records with the International hit “Happy Ever After.” Then followed her critically acclaimed album “Porcelain,” which included the popular songs “Manhattan Skyline” and “Lock and Key.”
Julia has just completed her tenth record, China Blue, a jazz record comprised of original songs written by Julia and produced and arranged by the wonderfully talented multi-instrumentalist Grant Mitchell.
As there are so many jazz “standard” records – Julia longed to release an album of original songs. However, when she played some gigs last year adding her jazz songs to the set, Julia included a version of Michael McDonald’s hit “I Keep Forgettin.” Rearranged and produced for this record by Jon Gilutin (Linda Ronstadt), she was thrilled when the co-producer of this song Simon Climie (Eric Clapton, Michael McDonald), played the track to Michael. Having always been a huge fan, Julia was delighted when immediately after hearing her rendition of his song, Michael added his remarkable voice to the track, blessing it with his rare and distinctive vocal sound.
Julia decided to re-record two songs from the Porcelain album. The newly arranged title track “China Blue,” which was only available in the UK, and “For You Only For You,” which is gloriously simple with piano, violin and Julia’s divine voice. “I Want To Stay Home With You,” from the Baby Love EP, is also included.
After a long and illustrious career selling millions of records worldwide on Virgin Records and three releases on Vanguard Records, including a live CD and accompanying DVD, Julia’s “That’s Live,” was recorded and filmed at the House of Blues in Hollywood and released in 2005. Produced by Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, Madeline Peyroux), it included an all star band and featured a stunning duet on the song “Concrete Love” with Grammy Award winning artist India.Arie and trumpet player/composer (“Crash”) Mark Isham.
After the Tsunami in 2004, an old school chum of Julia’s enlisted her to remix “Happy Ever After” with the proceeds going towards rebuilding a school in Cuddalore. Julia, along with record producer Grant Mitchell, re-recorded the song with a group of children from the Ashington School in West Sussex, UK. In February of 2007, Julia was delighted to attend the school opening in India.
Last year Julia released her most precious collection of songs as a worldwide exclusive through iTunes. Inspired by her little girl, “Baby Love” is a six-song EP combining Julia’s jazzy, yet soulful vocal range, and her love for her daughter Marley Rose.
Julia started writing songs at 12 and began performing them in the local folk clubs at 14. In her late teens, Julia made a guest vocalist appearance with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra in London. From that moment on, she had always hoped to record an album of original jazz standard-style songs.
The release of China Blue sees that dream coming to fruition.
China Blue is also available on iTunes, CD Baby and other on-line retailers.
A few weeks ago while we all watched in horror the destruction of homes, schools and families brought on by the earthquake in China, Julia had the idea to offer a recent live version of her song “China Blue” as a download, with all of the proceeds going towards a project called “Half The Sky” http://halfthesky.org.
This group is dedicated to providing nurturing care for China’s orphaned children. After reading about how this organization is already helping in Sichuan by offering emergency and long-term relief in this devastated area, Julia felt compelled to get on board and support their efforts.
“China Blue (Live in Osaka)” was recorded during her Jazz trio tour of the Billboard Live venues in Japan earlier this year. Available only in the U.S, “China Blue (Live in Osaka)” is now downloadable on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/juliafordham.

Latest bulletin 07.31.08

Tickets on Sale Now

October 13

Philadelphia, PA @ Tin Angel

October 14

Alexandria, VA @ The Birchmere

October 16

Cambridge, MA @ Club Passim

October 17

New York, NY @ Hiro Ballroom

October 22

Hollywood, CA @ Catalina Jazz Club

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China Blue - Charity Download Jul 30

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Oct 11, 11:39 PM

Nice song, sung beautifully! but a sad dedication.. Enjoy the song anyway :))
Apr 18, 04:32 PM

Or...Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach!
Jan 10, 11:06 PM

This is the most beautiful art I've seen and heard. Way to go Julia. Have loved you a long time!
Nov 21 2008, 03:22 PM

Please come to Milan, 09, Italy!
Sep 18 2008, 01:41 PM

never a truer word spoken
Angela G
Aug 30 2008, 03:05 AM

I recently re-found the photo from when I met Julia in 1994 - see attached... :-) Jules - GET BACK TO THE UK for some shows please!!
Aug 28 2008, 08:19 AM

When are you coming back to Glasgow?
Aug 15 2008, 11:55 PM

Beautiful song.....

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Videos posted by Julia Fordham

Happy Ever After (Tsunami ReMix)

Featured songs

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China Blue
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The World Keeps Spinning
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I Keep Forgettin'
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I Want To Stay Home With You
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Funny Guy
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Holiday
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My Only Valentine
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I Will Bring You Love
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Almost Happy
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For You Only For You
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Other popular songs

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Happy Ever After (Original Mix)
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Love & Forgiveness
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I Thought It Was You ('98 Remix)
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Mysterious Ways
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A Magic Moment (Dialogue)
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Recently recommended by fans

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China Blue
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Aaron N: "perfect match of singer and band on this one"

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Happy Ever After
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Lezli J: "This song totally blew me over, because of the vocals. This girl has the most gorgeous female voice! I cannot say I like all her song selections, but this one I can never hear enough of!"