James Ludwig was born in Kentucky and grew up on Long Island, outside of New York City. Eclectic experiences with music throughout his life have contributed to his unique voice as a composer.

In addition to his work as a composer, Ludwig teaches music, plays guitar in the blues band Survival Suit and sings professionally with a number of choirs in the New York City area, including the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City, where he grew up singing as a boy soprano.

His compositions for voice have been performed by choirs in the United States and abroad. His setting of the traditional English carol, Joys Seven, was performed by the Kansas City Chorale and Phoenix Chorales under the direction of Charles Bruffy.