James Arena is an author, freelance writer, host and commentator who has been featured on MSNBC, BBC, SiriusXM, Clear Channel, Sky News (London), CBS radio and other major communications networks. HOT SUMMER JAMS, his latest book published in 2022, is a celebration of pop songs released between 1975 and 2005 that celebrate the sun, beach, warm weather and the art of getting away from it all--with the emphasis placed on fun! James is also the creator of STARS OF 21st CENTURY DANCE POP AND EDM (McFarland, 2017), STARS OF 90s DANCE POP (McFarland, 2016), EUROPE'S STARS OF '80s DANCE POP VOL. 2 (Bookbaby, 2018), EUROPE'S STARS OF '80s DANCE POP (the first volume, McFarland, 2017), LEGENDS OF DISCO (McFarland, 2016) and FIRST LADIES OF DISCO (McFarland, 2013). In these books of original interviews, we are given personal insights into the lives and careers of over 200 singers, songwriters, producers, DJs and industry professionals from around the world. James has been featured in several film documentaries focused on dance music and is a G.E.M.A. Foundation and City of Philadelphia honoree for preserving dance music history. He received the Legacy Award from New York's Legends of Vinyl organization for his efforts. His first published work was FRIGHT NIGHT ON CHANNEL 9 (McFarland, 2011), a salute to vintage horror films televised in New York in the '70s and '80s. It was the runner up for the book-of-the-year honor at the Rondo Awards. Mr. Arena is a former executive with Bertelsmann Entertainment North America.