Van Nuys-based songwriter Hugh James won the Talent Is Timeless 2025 Folk category with his deeply moving song My Brother’s Shoes. The song was written in memory of Hugh’s brother, who passed away suddenly in a homeless encampment after a lifelong battle with alcoholism. “Having been a successful contractor over the years, he just couldn’t cope with the life he was given,” Hugh reflects. The spark for the song came from a late-night conversation with his wife, who said, “I can’t judge him because I haven’t walked in his shoes.” When Hugh learned his brother was found wearing a red shirt and hospital socks, he wondered, “Where are his shoes?” That thought became the heart of the song.
Hugh’s songwriting journey began back in high school, where he would make up his own lyrics and melodies to the songs he heard on the radio. A pianist since childhood, songwriting became a way to express himself freely, often improvising around a title or theme. His college piano teacher, Rosalina Sackstein, once told him, “You are very gifted. The most gifted will have it the most difficult.” Those words stayed with him, shaping his understanding of the struggles and rejections that inevitably come with a life in music.
His career highlights include his first major cut, Hearts Never Lie, recorded by Tiffany—a track that sold around two million copies. “I thought it was gonna be easy after that. OOPS!” Hugh jokes. Alongside his music, he’s also worked as a house painter for both famous and unknown clients, a job that allowed him to support his family while continuing to pursue songwriting.
For Hugh, being part of Talent Is Timeless has been about support, community and opportunities that fuel his passion. Winning the Folk category has reaffirmed his dedication to storytelling through song. His advice to songwriters over 50 is simple but powerful:
“Never give up. No matter how difficult it gets, keep writing.”
You can listen to Hugh’s winning song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6psD9_9p3M
And Connect with Hugh on Talent Is Timeless here: https://www.talentistimeless.com/members/hugh-james-music/profile/
Talent Is Timeless is a global community of 29,000+ songwriters aged 50 and over, proving that creativity doesn’t come with an expiry date. Our members connect with like-minded artists, participate in monthly songwriting challenges, attend expert-led masterclasses, and compete in our annual contest—with winners recording at iconic studios like Abbey Road. Whether you’re returning to music after years away or writing the best songs of your life, you’ll find encouragement, feedback, and genuine connection here.