James Casey was an American multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer and composer.
Born in Washington DC to a musical family, and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Casey started playing drums at age 3, and by 9, he had commenced playing the saxophone.
Following graduating from Desert Vista High School, he pursued a degree in music business at Berklee College of Music in Boston. While in Boston, he began playing with Soulive and Lettuce and also formed a band with Louis Cato, who is now the bandleader of the house band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He then became one of the most in-demand Saxophonists in New York and Los Angeles.
A member of Trey Anastasio Band, Casey had the opportunity to perform, record, produce and write with many of the world’s leading and most influential artists.
Along with the Trey Anastasio Band, Casey’s several recording credits include Phish, Lettuce, Chromeo, J.Cole, The Roots, Anderson .Paak, The Jonas Brothers, Dave Matthews Band, Sabrina Claudio, Chaka Khan, Wu-Tang, John Legend, Roy Hargrove, Soulive, Talib Kweli, Nigel Hall, Michael Kiwanuka, Melody Gardot, Shawn Mendes, 5th Harmony, Danger Mouse/Karen O, Maceo Parker, Carly Rae Jepsen, Leslie Odom Jr. and others.
Casey was diagnosed with colon cancer in July 2021. Following his diagnosis, he underwent surgery to remove the tumor and chemotherapy, while still devoted to his music and performance.
Casey released his debut EP A Little Something For Everyone in December 2022.
James Casey died on August 28, 2023, at age 40. He is survived by his wife Ayla Cobb Casey, mother, Gina René Miles Casey, father, Duane John Casey, sister, Rachel Jean Cato and brother, Stephen Duane Casey.