James Otto is the hard working country musician that happens to the best of the best in the genre. A solo artist as well as a member of Nashville's MuzikMafia, Otto has recorded three full length albums and jams with names known in the country, rock, and even pop. James Otto tickets sell for his headlining act though, as he takes to the road to promote his 2010 release Shake What God Gave Ya.

He was born on July 29, 1973 at Fort Lewis in Washington state and moved from state to state, city to city in his youth. James Otto took refuge in music, beginning with singing at the age of two and violin and saxophone later in his youth. Like so many before him, Otto discovered the guitar at the age of 13. This discovery (which also happened to be his 13th birthday gift) altered his life. The family finally settled down in a small Washington state town and he completed high school, entering the navy immediately afterward. After his two years were complete, Otto moved onto music.

In 1998 James Otto moved to the music capital of the genre dearest to his heart, Nashville. He pursued the music business much the same as everyone else. He played open mics and attended songwriters' nights at clubs throughout the city. Eventually his skill earned him a place in the MuzikMafia in 2001. This loose collection of country musicians, with up-and-comers revolving around bigger names like Biog Kenny, John Rich, and Gretchen Wilson, launched his professional career.

Mercury Nashville Records signed him to a record deal in 2002. James Otto immediately came out with three singles ("The Ball", "Long Way Down", and "Days of Our Lives"). None of the three singles charted particularly well, prompting the record label delay the release of his debut full-length album. Eventually, Days of Our Lives came out on March 9, 2004. The album peaked at number 61 on the U.S. Country Billboard Albums chart. The poor chart and commercial performance led to his early exit from Mercury Nashville.