Alexandria, VA--

Our staff had the rare chance to go behind the scenes and talk with one of the great jazz performers of late, the talented Boney James.

With three gold albums, including 1998's satisfying "Sweet Thing," the man born James Oppenheim in Lowell, Mass., has amassed a solid and loyal following since the release of "Trust," his 1992 debut.

Before becoming a star on the smooth jazz scene, James, a history graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, had established a solid reputation as a skilled session player. Wait until you hear what he had to say about his career and how he blossomed into the great artist he is today.

PM: What are some things that inspire you to write your music?

BJ: Life itself inspires me with my music, I hear music in my head and I go out to the backyard where my studio is located and I constantly practice. Music is so passionate, I love it. Music is something I will always do whether I get paid or not. I am so lucky to be able to do this thing call music. It is truly a blessing.

PM: You worked with so many artists in your career, who are some other artist you would really like to work with?

BJ: John Legend, Jill Scott, and Indie Arie. I would really love to do something with Kem a Winter Tour or something but I also love the fact that I have the opportunity today to work with Al Jarreau and Cassandra Wilson.

PM: How do you feel about Smooth Jazz do you feel it helped Traditional Jazz or hurt it?

BJ: Music is a natural evolution. There is room for everyone in this business. I am not part of any movements or anything I stay neutral. I just want to make music and do what I love.

PM: In your career what is one of your most memorable moments?

BJ: Receiving the Soul Train Award, going on stage to receive this award was so surreal. I was so surprised and happy I forgot my speech so I just winged it. Also being nominated for two Grammy Awards.

PM: Back in the day you were a pizza delivery boy, what was the name of the pizza store?

BJ: Jacopos Pizza in Beverly Hills. You know I had to pay the rent somehow.

PM: How old are you?

BJ: Forty-three

PM: Your wife Lily Mariye is an actress. She acts as Nurse Lily in the hit television series "ER".

Tell me a little more about her?

BJ: I've known Lily for twelve years. We have been married for twenty years. Lily used to sell tickets at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles.

PM: You and your wife have such busy schedules, what do you guys do for quiet time?

BJ: Well with the business of Hollywood sometimes our schedules are so hectic and others times it's not busy at all. Lily and I try to have some downtime and when we do we hang out together have dinner around six o'clock and than we watch "The Wheel Of Fortune".

PM: With all your female fans, how does Lily handle that?

BJ: Oh Lily is jealous, you know how you women are about your man, sometimes when I'm at a gig and the female fans become too aggressive, Lily kind of steps in and gives them the eye and they know to step back. You know how you women can be. I love Lily so much and I love talking about her.

PM: What would be your legacy to your fans?

BJ: To treat people the way you want to be treated. Just be good in life and live it to the fullest.