The Story Begins in Bridgeport, Connecticut

James A. Norkawich, a gifted pianist, composer, producer, and arranger, was born on March 28, 1975, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Donald E. Norkawich and Elaine A. Norkawich. From the very beginning, music was woven into his life. At just three years old, James showed an early fascination with the chord organ. His grandfather, Albert J. Kaufman—a self-taught organist and founder of Connecticut’s first amateur organ society (CVTOS)—recognized his potential and began nurturing his talent.

At the age of five, James began formal lessons at Verelli Music Studios in Bridgeport. He later studied organ under Frank Markham at Westport Music in Westport, CT. These early lessons laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong musical journey. Between the ages of 9 and 14, James earned awards including the WICC 600 AM Talent Contest and was celebrated across local media as a rising young prodigy.

James grew up in a supportive, close-knit family that encouraged his dreams. He shares a strong bond with his sister, Deanna M. Norkawich, and has continued building that legacy of love and support with his wife, Daria M. Norkawich, who remains a steadfast source of inspiration and encouragement throughout his life and career.

A Rising Star in Music Education

James’ extraordinary talent earned him a spot at the prestigious Regional Center for the Arts (RCA), where he studied jazz theory, MIDI composition, and performance at the University of Bridgeport while still in high school. RCA, once a small program of 40, has since expanded to over 100 students and continues to serve as a launching pad for artistic excellence.

In 1993, James was awarded a full four-year scholarship to the University of Bridgeport, where he earned his B.A. in Music Performance. He later completed a Master’s in Music Education on scholarship. Though he was accepted into five of six top music programs nationwide, James chose to stay true to his roots, selecting the University of Bridgeport for its deep musical legacy and connection to home.

Versatility Across Performance, Production, and Broadcasting

Following college, James carved out a dynamic career across Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. He worked in radio both behind the scenes and on the air, building an online streaming platform that reached over 6 million listeners between 2006 and 2011.

His work in the studio has included sessions at The Carriage House Studios, where he collaborated with both established and emerging artists. A true musical chameleon, James has performed with a wide range of ensembles—from elegant jazz trios to powerhouse wedding bands—and has shared stages with legends including Tower of Power, Spyro Gyra, and Chicago.

Official Hammond Artist – A Milestone Achievement

In 2024, James was honored with the prestigious distinction of being named an official Hammond Artist—a recognition reserved for musicians who exemplify mastery, passion, and commitment to the iconic Hammond organ legacy. This designation not only affirms James’ lifelong connection to the instrument—beginning at his grandfather’s Hammond—but also places him among an elite group of world-class artists who carry on the tradition of the legendary Hammond sound.

A Creative Renaissance During the Pandemic

When the world paused during COVID-19, James leaned into his creativity and turned challenge into opportunity. Working from his home studio, he composed music that captured the emotion of the moment and reflected his unwavering love for his craft.

In 2022, he launched a remarkable musical campaign, releasing four full-length albums, several EPs, and singles. His music quickly gained traction on radio, podcasts, and print media, even breaking into the U.K. market. Today, his catalog is available on every major streaming platform, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, Deezer, and iHeartRadio.

Discography

🎵 Yesterday (Songs From The Great American Songbook) Vol. 1 (2022)
🎵 Today (Songs From The Great American Songbook) Vol. 2 (2022)
🎵 A Connecticut Christmas (2022)
🎵 Christmas By The Seaside (2022)
🎵 Lighthouse (2023)
🎵 Christmas Magic (2023)
🎵 So Far So Great (2024)
🎵 Hometown Homecoming (2024)
🎵 Christmas Enchantment (2024)
🎵 A New Beginning (2024)
🎵 Keys to the Soul (2025)
🎵 Just Getting Started (2025)

🎧 Listen on Spotify

Looking Ahead: Summer 2025 and Beyond

Summer 2025 is set to be one of James' most exciting seasons yet. With live performances scheduled across the country, international collaborations, and the release of two highly anticipated albums—one rooted in soulful jazz piano and another inspired by the lush sound of 1940s big band swing—James is continuing to push creative boundaries while honoring tradition.

His upcoming projects aim to connect deeply with audiences, telling stories through music that transcend time and genre. He also continues to work in film scoring and content creation, expanding his artistic reach across multimedia platforms.

Legacy and Impact

Beyond the stage and studio, James remains deeply committed to education and community engagement. He actively mentors young musicians, passing down the lessons learned from his grandfather and family to inspire the next generation. With his wife Daria by his side, James continues to advocate for music's role in healing, storytelling, and uniting people from all walks of life.

What began with a few notes on his grandfather’s Hammond organ has grown into a symphony of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Today, James A. Norkawich’s work resonates as a celebration of life, legacy, and the timeless power of music.

"Music is the soundtrack of our lives—so why not make it a good one?"

 

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Official Website: www.jamesanorkawich.com
Instagram: @jamesanorkawich
Facebook: facebook.com/@jamesanorkawich
Twitter/X: @JNorkawichMusic
YouTube & YouTube Music: James A. Norkawich
Amazon Music / Apple Music / iHeartRadio / Pandora / Deezer / Spotify

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