[3] Govan played for a group named The Vans, when he was discovered by Fame Studio's George Jackson.
Govan and fellow musician Don Chandler both received a key to the City of Memphis for their contribution to the music scene in Beale Street over the previous 15 years.
Govan was the hero of the Porretta Soul Festival, Tribute To Otis Redding, Italy, where he performed from 1993 to 1997.
The latest live performance album by James Govan and the Boogie Blues Band was released in 1999, entitled A Night on Beale.
Rum Boogie themselves claim that their commitment to Memphis music 7 days a week makes Beale Street "Home of the Blues, Birthplace of Rock n Roll".