Mike James Kirkland is a R&B singer and songwriter who became popular in Los Angeles in the 60’s and the 70’s. Kirkland, who’s originally from Mississippi, was produced by his brother Robert Kirkland his whole career.

Kirkland first received attention as the lead singer of Mike & the Censations,. The group released a few singles in 60’s, most famously “There’s Nothing I Can Do About It.” Turning to more conscious lyrics, Kirkland released his first solo single “Together / The Prophet” in 1971, leading up to his heralded debut album Hang on in There the next year. Kirkland closed the Mike James saga in 1973 with another album, titled Doin' It Right.

Re-branded as Bo Kirkland, the singer returned in 1975 with the disco record “Grandfather Clock / Sure Got a Thing for You.” He quickly teamed up with former The Ikettes singer Ruth Davis, and together they became the face of Claridge Records. The duo released an album, Bo & Ruth, in 1976, which featured the highly successful single “You’re Gonna Get Next to Me.”

Decades after Kirkland’s career, John Legend and The Roots recorded a cover of “Hang on in There” for their collaboration album Wake Up!. The song earned the group a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance in 2011, which Kirkland received as the song’s sole writer, too. The same year, Legend and The Roots also received Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album and Best R&B Song for Wake Up! and “Shine,” respectfully.