It is not uncommon to hear the lingering notes of “Amazing Grace” through the streets of Yazoo City. For the past several months, many residents have seen a man who seems to appear out of nowhere to play the song on his trumpet. After the final note, the man continues on his path, leaving behind feelings of joy and comfort.
Many have said the short performance has changed the entire outlook of their day. Many said their spirit is lifted. And a few have even renewed their faith after hearing the sweet melody.
Who is Yazoo’s trumpet man? His name is Tommy James, and his smile and optimistic nature is contagious. He said he felt called by God to begin playing his instrument throughout the community, and he plans to continue spreading joy and ministry in the hopes that he brightens someone’s day.
“It’s not always about what you do, but how you do it,” James said. “It’s a ministry. I am just a country boy, but I try to stay humble and obedient. I try to do what the Lord tells me to do. That is why I do it.”
James, 68, was born in Yazoo City and was raised in a shotgun house with no indoor plumbing.
“Growing up in Yazoo City was just life has I knew it,” he said. “I lived in a shotgun house and had to go outside to use the bathroom. But it was all I knew.”
James received his entire education in Yazoo City, eventually joining the Army after he graduated from high school. He served in the Vietnam War from 1971 until 1972. He also served in the National Guard for eight years.
James did live in Chicago for a time, and he would eventually marry Frances James. She has been his bride since 1973. The couple has three children, one boy and two girls.
“I actually played the tuba in high school,” he said, with a smile. “Music touched me. I had to spend two hours a day learning and practicing. But I just had to do it. I had an old friend who told me when I first started playing, I didn’t sound too nice. But it was just something I had to do.”
And it was the song “Amazing Grace” that moved James. He was determined to learn how to play it. He admits he did not know the words to the hymn, but he could read the music notes.
“It was a spiritual thing,” James said. “The song “Amazing Grace” really touched me.”
It was Steve Dennis who gave James the trumpet he still has today.
“He asked me if I wanted the trumpet,” James said. “I told him that I did, but he pulled it back from me after he asked. He told me he would give it to me, but I had to promise to come play “Amazing Grace” at his church. I did, and I still got that horn today.”
James said God seemed to keep urging him to play out in the open of his hometown. He finally accepted the call, and he started randomly playing “Amazing Grace” at random spots within Yazoo City. James was soon spotted in front of the post office, along Main Street, in neighborhoods and other public places.
“Playing just lifts me up, and the Spirit tells me when I should do it,” he said. “I stopped at the Courthouse and just started playing. A man just stopped and started taking my picture. I just kept going around and kept playing. I have some people stop and talk to me. A few try to give me money. And one lady asked me what the song was, which led to us talking about God. There is no color barrier. It lifts my spirit up to see how people feel about it. It’s a ministry.”
It was during an Easter program at church that James finally read the words of “Amazing Grace.”
“Wow,” he said. “It was powerful. The words are something else. Save a wretch like me…it’s my theme song.”
James said he lives an average life, but he admits there was a void in his life after the passing of many loved ones and friends.
“I didn’t know what was wrong with me, but I felt a void,” he said. “I tried to fill that void, and it sometimes wasn’t with good things. But then God gave me this to fill that void. Playing makes me so happy now.”
James said he also plays the guitar and harmonica.
“Make a joyful noise,” he said, with a smile.
James said he will continue his trumpet playing throughout the community. His void has been filled, and he hopes to fill the void of others. He is a vibrant person, a smiling face. He is an inspiration. He is a lover of God. He is Yazoo’s trumpet man.
