James McGorman (born c. 1974) is an American guitarist keyboardist and record producer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a touring musician (keyboard player and backing vocalist) for the American alternative rock band Goo Goo Dolls, which he joined in 2018, and previously served a similar role in the band New Radicals. McGorman is also known for his work with the House Band on the CBS television shows Rockstar: INXS and Rockstar: Supernova. McGorman has written and produced songs and recorded on albums for the band as well. He has worked with Diana Herrera on her first extended play, Blueprint (2026).
Early life McGorman grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He graduated Cherry Hill High School East, 1992; he also graduated Berklee College of Music in 1995 with a degree in audio engineering and music production.
Career He has been musical director for Avril Lavigne, Weezer, Michelle Branch, Paul Stanley (from Kiss) and toured with Cher. With Cher on her Farewell Tour, McGorman played guitars, keyboards and sang a duet with Cher. He has also worked with Gwen Stefani, Shakira, The Corrs, Aaron Neville, New Radicals, Poison, Goo Goo Dolls and Marc Broussard. He has written songs for Goo Goo Dolls, Sabrina Carpenter, Kate Voegele, Bret Michaels (Poison), Marc Broussard and for TV shows such as One Tree Hill and Smallville.
TV performances include Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, BBC's Top of the Pops, "American Music Awards", "Vancouver 2010 Olympics Closing Ceremonies", Conan O'Brien, Regis and Kelly, The View, and MTV's TRL. Jim performed with Michelle Branch on the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (episode: Tabula Rasa) and with Dilana Robichaux (the runner-up from Rock Star: Supernova) on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. In October/November 2006, Jim and the House Band toured the United States with Paul Stanley (from Kiss). In January 2007, Jim became a member of Avril Lavigne's band and toured with her from 2007 to 2013. In 2019, he toured with Goo Goo Dolls.
Regarding the Rockstar TV show house band, he says that he feels his role is a multifaceted one: guitar, keys and singing.
Musical influences McGorman cites a number of popular music influences, including soul music of Gamble and Huff, and the rock of Coldplay and U2. Discography +Jim McGorman discographyYearAlbumArtistCredit1997 To Make Me Who I Am Aaron Neville Guitar2001 Transmatic Transmatic Strings2002 Leap of Faith David Charvet Vocals (background), Associated Performer2003 Chapter 2 Jessica Jacobs Bass, Guitar, Piano, Vocals (background), Producer2004 Borrowed Heaven The Corrs Piano, Musician2004 Carencro Marc Broussard Organ, Piano, Vocals (background), Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer2005 Rock Star: A Night at the Mayan Various Artists Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals2005 Rock Star: INXS (DVD) Various Artists Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals2005 Safe in Sound Jim Boggia Piano, Tack Piano2005 Unfabulous and More Emma Roberts Keyboards, Group Member2005 Something To Fall Back On Sam Jaffe Guitars, Keyboards2006 Reach Warren Barfield Piano, Guitar (Electric), Organ (Hammond), Vocals (background), Clavinet, Wurlitzer, Tack Piano2006 Dark Horse Ryan Star Guitar, Vocals (background)2006 The World is Falling Down Jamestown Ltd. Vocals, Piano, Keyboards, Guitars, Bass, Producer2007 Poison'd Poison Keyboards, Vocals (background)2007 The Best Damn Thing Avril Lavigne Rhythm Guitar, Vocals (background)2011 Do The Best with What I Got Greg Lato Producer, Songwriting, Guitarist, Keyboards, Bass, Vocals (background)2019Miracle PillGoo Goo DollsBackground Vocals2020ShipwreckLaura MichelleComposer2020 It's Christmas All Over Goo Goo Dolls Producer, Keyboards, Backing Vocals, Horns Arranger, Writer2022Change in the WeatherMama SaidProducer2025All The RestFields of JakeProducer, Composer
References
External links Jim McGorman Official Web site sunfired.net - Jim McGorman Resource Website (fan page)