James Gooden Ill

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Hailed by the Dallas Morning News as “a great talent with wonderful stage presence and potential,” James Gooden, III returns to the performance stage after a brief hiatus to re-establish himself as a performer in demand for his rich, warm vocal tone, world class musicianship, and commanding stage persona. 

His appearances include the Houston Symphony, Fort Worth Opera, Dallas Opera, Southwest Lyric Opera, Opera in the Heights, the Dallas Symphony, The Texas Gilbert and Sullivan Society, and the Denton Light Opera Company. James performed many roles, including Bartolo (The Bartered Bride), Henry Davis (Street Scene), Frank (Die Fledermaus), The Pirate King (Pirates of Penzance), and Le Dancaire (Carmen). Musical Theatre roles include Joe (Show Boat), Jim (Big River), and Rapunzel’s Prince (Into the Woods). Recent solo works include Handel’s Messiah, Verdi Requiem, and Mozart’s Coronation Mass. 

James has also been fortunate enough to perform internationally as an R&B vocalist with Luther Vandross and Al Jarreau. 

With a servant's heart, James has devoted both time and talent to multiple causes, including serving on the board of Race Relations and Diversity with the National Crisis Response Team and is currently preparing for a benefit production of Fats Waller's musical "Ain't Misbehavin." 

This award winning Corsicana, Texas native attended Navarro College, studying under the Great David Timmerman. 

"My time at Navarro was… Magical! Within the Fine Arts building during my time there, I made both lifelong friends and began to create fantastic art whether it be theater of musical theater or Opera. Many individuals overlook the true gem known as Navarro. Each day was a new challenge. I recall being tasked to arrange the school song. Without hesitation, I said NO PROBLEM, and 48 hours (and not a lot of sleep) later, it was complete. At Navarro, your dreams were nurtured and molded carefully with great instruction. In fact, the instructors did such a great job, when I went to The University of North Texas, my musicianship was on par with some of the graduate students! I absolutely loved my journey at Navarro. It truly helped make me the musician and person that I am today. "

James also attended the University of North Texas. He has received training from world renowned performers and instructors, including Madeline Saunders, David Sundquist, Gerard Souzay, and Grant Williams. James currently lives in Houston Texas with his wife and two children.