Biography

James Derek Times III was born and raised in sunny Miami, Florida and has always been a student of the
art of music, dance, and entertainment. From the time James was a toddler, his talent was evident in his
musical and vocal skills. Though James’ musical abilities have been evident from a young age, his time at
Miami Springs Senior High School with his involvement in Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band,
Choir, Music Theory and Music History gave him more experience and abilities to refine his talents.
After graduating and being accepted into Florida International University’s School of Music, James also
became a member of Drum Corps International’s Phantom Regiment and Bluecoats from 2007-2009. It
was the Drum Corps activity that shaped James into the person and perfectionist that he has become
today.

A long time fan of Michael Jackson since the age of 3, James didn’t realize his unique gift of dance until
August of 2009, the year of MJ’s passing. James’ dream of performing as MJ on stage became a reality
when he made an email inquiry to MJ LIVE and was accepted to perform with them in Las Vegas. His
time performing with MJ LIVE served as preparation for James’ to join Who’s Bad where James has
successfully led Who’s Bad Michael Jackson Tribute Band for the past 9 years performing sold out shows
for thousands of loyal MJ fans in the US, overseas, for our US troops. James has now branched out
further and produced his own new and dynamic Michael Jackson Tribute concert, “It’s Dangerous! An
Authentic Michael Jackson Tribute Concert”.

Like Michael, James is a self-taught and innate dancer. It has been said by most people that James
captures effortlessly the mannerisms, uniqueness, and deep soulful dancing of Michael Jackson. That is
the result of the countless hours of studying MJ’s every hand, foot, finger, head, upper and lower body
placement and angle in each song/performance, along with his natural similarity to Michael Jackson’s
height, weight, and body type. An absolute true perfectionist, James has set a strict standard and motto
for himself and that is, simply, “If it’s not the way Michael did it, it’s not right”. James has never had the
great honor of meeting Michael himself, but has had the honor of receiving direct recognition and
communication from Mr. Joseph Jackson.

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