Contagious: James "Doc" White

James “Doc” White was born and raised in Savannah, GA. With strong musical roots in his family he performed as early as 6 years old with his father’s band. James studied classical music in his youth and credits it as a large contributing factor to his love for diversity and arrangements. By his middle teens he found a passion for dance music, jazz, fusion and entertaining. He has spent the better part of the last 20 years writing and performing his own music and adding to the local Philadelphia music scene. As Band leader of The Contagious Party Band “Doc” has made a home for friends and family expressing a true enjoyment for musical showmanship and entertainment. Doc promised himself to always have fun with what he does. That promise spread throughout the Contagious Band and is always evident in their performances no matter the occasion.

Doc spent eight years serving our country in the United Stated Navy. His final tour of duty landed him at the now defunct Philadelphia Naval Base. During that time period he was introduced to various local musicians working on private and commercial studio projects. The exposure and diversity of the session work added more styles and experiences to his music cultivating the internet release of Doc’s CD entitled “Stuff” and a small write up in Bassplayer magazine. The CD was entitled Stuff because of his belief of recording what he enjoyed and blending a small part of all the music he ever experienced. This became the ideology of the Contagious Band.

The Contagious Band was formed in 1998 on the idea to have a great party. Doc prides himself on being attentive and professional. Ensuring that every event gets the attention it deserves and working with the brides, coordinators and caterers to ensure that all the details are covered and the evening goes as smooth as possible. Covering the distance of upscale wedding band to outdoor fairs, clubs, fundraisers, and private parties Doc truly strives to make Contagious the band for all occasions. The first major show by Contagious was for a local Philadelphia area software company Bentley System’s “Winter Gala” where Doc was informed that “they didn’t have any fun” at their last event. The band went in with the idea that above all else the guest would have “fun”. Doc is proud to say that the Contagious Band still does Bentley Systems Winter Gala event and the entire band works hard to bring that energy and excitement to every performance.

Doc now lives in Yeadon, PA with his lovely wife and original member of the Contagious Party Band Karen Baylor-White. He is truly thrilled that he has the opportunity to enjoy entertaining with his wife beside him. Doc quotes “the entire band is family and our per