User:Petawane

'James Tyrone Burris (Petawane) was born in Harlem,New York June 28, 1973 Petawane (pronounced Pee-tah-wayne)began singing in the church at the tender age of six. Moved to the Bronx in 1979, It was around this time he began putting on impromptu performances at the request of his Dad to entertain his friends. It was through his love for the music and the response he would get each time he delivered a note that made him realize he wanted to be a performer. He has embarked on a mission to fulfill his dream ever since.He first got his big break in 1991 as Co-producer on Lord Finesse album "Return Of The Funky Man". In 1992, Hip-Hops Godfather "Afrika Bambaataa" ask him to do a duet with Fonda Rae on his compilation album "Afrika Bambaataa Presents Time Zone" Thy Will "B" Funk-- He has also worked with such artist as O.C, Show & A.G, Natural Elements and Masi & Mello.  

'''Known for his versatility, Petawane can sing the hook on a hip-hop track and twist so far to the left you would think it was R&B. he has a way of drawing in audiences of all ages with the depth and sincerity of his rich tenor. an admirer and knowing his history of the old school greats, Petawane counts as his influences, classic soul stirrers like Sam Cooke, Nat "King" Cole, Teddy Pendergrass, Willie Hutch, Curtis Mayfield, and groups like the Five Stairsteps, The Jackson Five, The Sylvers, The Chi-Lites, The Moments, and The Delfonics. And it is to their higher standards that he has raised the bar for himself. He has found a way to channel their energy into his performances, all the while maintaining a delivery that's still fresh and current, allowing him to connect with the audience. '''