In just a few years, James Fortune & FIYA have gone from empowering youth in the Greater Houston area to uplifting millions with their nationally acclaimed debut album You Survived!, released in September 2004. Their first smash hit single, also titled “You Survived,” peaked at #2 on the Radio & Records Gospel Singles chart and became one of the Top 7 Most Played Gospel Songs of the Year, earning Fortune honors at the 19th Annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards and the 2006 ASCAP Writer’s Award for Gospel Song of the Year.

The radio chart success of “You Survived” was followed by “I Trust You,” from the 2008 album The Transformation. “I Trust You” impacted the Gospel and Urban Adult Contemporary radio charts becoming the top recording on the Gospel National Airplay chart for 29-weeks. The song officially became the longest running #1 hit single for any genre, eclipsing Marvin Sapp’s six-month run at the top spot with “Never Would Have Made It.” The impact of the song has contributed to James Fortune & FIYA’s rapidly growing fanbase and opened the door to their sharing the stage as an opening act for distinguished artists Stevie Wonder, John P. Kee, Kim Burrell, Fred Hammond, Mary Mary and Donald Lawrence. The music industry also has taken notice, honoring Fortune with the 2009 ASCAP award for Song of the Year.

Prior to gaining national attention, James Fortune & FIYA received acclaim in their home state, Texas, when they were nominated as the Texas Gospel Youth & Young Adult Choir of the Year for four consecutive years. James Fortune & FIYA are humbled by the recent attention and many accolades; however, they remain focused on their desire to minister to youth through music.