James Maxwell “Sonny Spoon”

James Maxwell, better known by his stage name, Sonny Spoon, is a Georgia rap legend and extremely diverse artist with many talents. At the age of 14, he started performing at local talent shows and soon gained the confidence of his peers and elders as a creative storyteller through music. His lyrics reflect the pain of young black males raised in the deep -south and the trials they endure while seeking to maintain a positive perspective and be successful. Born and raised in Macon, Georgia, Sonny Spoon has worked diligently to make a name for himself and put his city on the map.

As an independent artist Sonny has recorded a total of ten albums and has collaborated with hip hop heavy weights such as T.I., Cee-low Green, Field Mob, 8-Ball & MJG, Bun-B, T-Pain, Scarface, E-40, and Jeezy. He is also globally known for his hit single THE DIRTY BIRD, written for the Atlanta Falcons during their Super Bowl run in 1998. His album BACK TO WORK released in 2012 is still considered a sleeper underground classic.

On a mission to ensure that other young people are aware of the consequences of bad decision making, Sonny has worked diligently with public schools, Non-Profit organizations and many independent agencies throughout his career sharing his testimony as a deterrent for at risk youth. Sonny has recorded a total of three public service announcements teaching youth about the harmful effects of drugs, gangs, and guns. These recordings were used in the Bibb County Public School system and shown on all the local public access stations. Because of the content, professionalism and effectiveness of the PSA’s, Sonny Spoon received two Addy awards in 2009.

Under the auspices of an old African proverb that states,” It Takes a Village to Raise a Child”, Sonny partnered with UNITY-N-Community, Inc. to bring about a much-needed STOP THE VIOLENCE TOUR in 2010 to the middle Georgia area. Sonny collaborated with Bright Blue Sky Production Company and a host of platinum Hall of Famers to produce the numerous award-winning song and video, A Little More Soul, in 2011.

Love, struggle, intelligence, and an unbreakable spirit make Sonny Spoon and his life story one that should be shared with the world.