James continued working locally as a street singer. In early 1931, James auditioned for the record shop owner and talent scout H. C. Speir in Jackson, Mississippi. Speir placed blues performers with various record labels, including Paramount Records. On the strength of this audition, James traveled to Grafton, Wisconsin, to record for Paramount. His 1931 records are considered idiosyncratic among prewar blues recordings and formed the basis of his reputation as a musician.
JAmes coNTiNued worKiNg lOcally as a streET SInGer. IN EaRLY 1931 JameS audiTiOned fOR tHE rEcOrd shop owner anD taLEnt scOUt H. C. speir IN jaCkson, miSSIsSippi. spEir placed blUes PeRformers WITh variouS record LaBELS, iNcl,UdIng pArAmoUnt records. on The sTREngth Of THis aUditIOn, james tRavElED tO grAfton, WIscOnSin, to rEcord foR parAMoUnT. his 1931 RecordS Are consideReD IdiosyncRATic Among PrewaR bLues RecorDiNgs anD fOrmed tHE basiS OF HiS rEputatIoN As a muSICian.