James Dunning is an American musician and singer-songwriter, best known as the founder and lead vocalist of the Americana band Lost Immigrants. His musical journey began in 2004 when he and his longtime friend, Craig Hinkle, started a songwriting project that evolved into Lost Immigrants. The band's initial success was marked by winning the 2005 Shiner Rising Star contest, leading to the recording of their debut album, "Waiting on Judgement Day," produced by Americana legend Ray Wylie Hubbard. Prior to forming Lost Immigrants, Dunning was a member of the Dallas-based Celtic rock group The Killdares, where his songwriting contributions were prominently featured on their 2005 album "Any Given Element."

Under Dunning's leadership, Lost Immigrants has released multiple projects, including the live album "Baptized: Live from the Hill Country" in 2009, which featured the Top 40 Texas Music Chart single "Get Lost." The band's discography also includes studio albums such as "Pasaporte" (2010) and "Californium" (2019), as well as a series of EPs titled "An Americana Primer," Volumes 1 through 3. Dunning's dynamic stage presence and heartfelt songwriting have solidified Lost Immigrants' reputation within the Americana music scene. The current lineup features Chad Stewart on drums, Ryan Pool on keys, and Blake Brownlee on lead guitar, with Dunning continuing to drive the band's creative vision.