James Tealy

Hi, I’m James Tealy.

I’m a music industry leader, educator and songwriter.

About Me

Who is this James Tealy guy, anyway?

James Tealy is a charismatic educator and strategic music industry innovator who still believes in the transformative power of a great song. Tealy has dedicated his career in both the music industry and higher education to discovering and developing talented songwriters and recording artists toward their full potential and global audience. Tealy has over 20 years of experience as a professional songwriter and music publisher plus over 8 years of innovative leadership in music industry higher education.

James Tealy is a voting member of both the Recording Academy and Gospel Music Association and is often featured as a keynote, panelist and judge for music business, songwriting and worship workshops, contests, and conferences like GMA Immerse, Write About Jesus, Centricity Worship, Writing Worship and others.

In over 25 years of local church ministry, James has served in a variety of roles on staff’s in Texas, Tennessee, and Louisiana.

As a professional songwriter, James Tealy’s deep list of cuts across several genres includes BMI award winners, chart-topping Christian radio singles and songs on Grammy and Dove Award-winning gold and platinum albums.

Tealy’s songs have been recorded by Lauren Daigle, Kari Jobe, Josh Wilson, Unspoken, Gold City, and more than 130 others. James’ songs have also been featured in both film and TV globally. 

James Tealy earned a BBA in music business from Belmont University and an MA from New Orleans Seminary. He has served on the faculty at Belmont University, Lipscomb University, Trevecca University, Truett-McConnell University and Delta State University’s Delta Music Institute. He currently resides in Franklin, TN with his wife and two step-daughters.

Once people find out James writes songs for a living, the next inevitable question is, “have you written anything I would know.” In the sea of over 80 million songs available to stream, the safest answer is “that depends on what you listen to.” Below is a list of some of the songs James has written or co-written that have been recorded by others. 

Writing Credits

Here are some of the songs James Tealy has written or co-written. They’re in alphabetical order by Artist with links to iTunes.

A – C


D – K


L – O


P – S

P – S cont’d


T – Z

Recommendations

Here’s what artists and industry leaders are saying about James Tealy.

“I don’t know anyone who is better at pinpointing where the song is, what the song is, than James Tealy.  I’ve written with hundreds of people over the years and James has a unique patience and selflessness to make whoever he’s writing with better, wiser, and more clear.  Add to that the artistic presence to keep it all compelling to craft a great song.  If you’re looking for someone to help give clarity to your songwriting career and your artistic voice, this is your guy.”

Matt Papa

Recording Artist and Songwriter


“James Tealy has worked from every angle in the Christian music business and is a trusted resource to many current labels and publishers. He knows when artists and songwriters are ready to take the next step, so much so, that each person he’s introduced to me we have signed (or tried real hard to!).”

Jonathan Mason

VP Christian A&R and Publishing at CURB Word Entertainment

CLICK HERE read a feature article in Psychology Today about Tealy’s impact on songwriter, Emily Falvey.

“Tealy saw something in Emily that she didn’t see herself. He told her, ” Emily, you realize you can champion other people’s talent in the writing room, right? And you have what it takes to be a writer.” His insight was her “Aha!” moment.”

Emily Falvey

Staff Songwriter Smack Songs / Warner Chappell and member of the Belmont University Board of Trustees

“Regardless of your position or experience, everybody needs a coach, a mentor, an advisor to help take them from where they are to where they want to be. It was a great day for artists and songwriters when James Tealy announced his availability for this sort of work. It would be difficult to measure the positive influence James has had on the CCM and worship communities through his co-writing, producing and A&R guidance. From Lauren Daigle to Jason Gray to Jordan Feliz, I can speak personally to the growth and effectiveness that have come from those artist’s ministries because of their time with James. If its at all possible to work with him, do it, and reap the same rewards that so many in our community already have.”

John Mays

Senior VP of A&R at Centricity Music


“James Tealy brings decades of experience, wisdom, and expertise in both songwriting and record making. Not only has he written multiple chart-topping songs himself, but he has helped many successful artists navigate their song selection and recording processes. I’m so thankful for the artistic insight and advice he’s given me over the years, and I certainly wouldn’t be the artist I am without his help.”

Josh Wilson

Recording Artist


“James is an incredibly gifted songwriter and communicator, with years of experience, a great ear for talent, and a heart for the church.”

Chad Segura

VP Music Publishing at Centricity Music