Has a brother, James III, and a sister, Latisha.

He was inspired by Michael Jackson to become an R&B star. He began his music career in the late 1980s with an amateur hip-hop group called Finesse Five and then sung for a local band called Physical Wonder. He was discovered by a member of Jodeci, and in 1996 he made his debut as Ginuwine, a name chosen because he considers himself down-to-earth. His first album for 550 Music, Ginuwine...the Bachelor, was produced by Timbaland. Ginuwine...the Bachelor reached double platinum status thanks to the No. 1 R & B single "Pony." In 1999 he followed up with the melodramatic 100% Ginuwine, also produced by Timbaland, which includes a cover of the Michael Jackson ballad "She's Out of My Life."

In the very beginning of his career Ginuwine used to go by the name of Tornado.

Lost both parents (Sandra: cancer, James II: suicide) within a year.

Graduated from Prince George Community College, where he received a paralegal degree.

Children: Elgin Jr., Ginel, Kayah, Story and Dream.

He and his rapper girlfriend, Sole, welcomed a baby girl, Story, their first together. Each has a youngster from a previous relationship. [April 2001]