Harry Kim's Early Life and Education
Born and raised in the vibrant city of New York, Harry Kim's childhood was marked by a passion for music, particularly classical trumpet. He attended the prestigious High School For The Performing Arts, laying the groundwork for a future career in music.
The Move to Los Angeles and Discovery of Funk and Jazz
However, after completing his high school education, Harry made the bold decision to relocate to Los Angeles, where he would soon discover the world of funk and jazz. He spent several years touring the United States with various show groups, R&B revues, and big bands, including the renowned Harry James Big Band.
The Rise of Latin Music and Disco
As the disco era took hold, Harry found himself drawn to the vibrant Latin music scene. He began working with legendary artists such as Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, and honed his arranging skills by writing and performing on numerous disco productions.
Joining Stevie Wonder's Wonder Love and Performing with Motown Legends
Harry's association with Stevie Wonder's Wonder Love proved to be a pivotal moment in his career, opening doors to opportunities to perform and record with some of the biggest names in music, including Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops, The Temptations, and Smokey Robinson. He was also part of the esteemed ensemble that performed at the Emmy Award-winning 25th Anniversary of Motown, a night that would be forever etched in music history.
The 2005-2013 Seasons of American Idol and Beyond
Since 2005, Harry has served as the horn section leader and arranger for the American Idol series, a role he held for eight seasons. In addition, he has been featured on television twice in one day, first performing on the final week of the Oprah Show in the afternoon, and then on the final week of American Idol in the evening.
A Recent Tour with Johnny Hallyday
Harry's most recent endeavor was a tour with the legendary French recording artist, Johnny Hallyday, on his final tour.
