James Phelps was an American soul singer active during the mid-20th century. Known for his emotive vocal style, he primarily performed gospel and rhythm-and-blues, contributing to the rich tapestry of Chicago's music scene. His most notable track, "Love Is a 5-Letter Word," reached number 12 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1965. Though Phelps didn't achieve widespread fame, his distinctive voice and heartfelt performances solidified his role in the development of soul music.