Life & Work with Jimmy King

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jimmy King.

Hi Jimmy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I got started playing the trumpet when I was in middle school. It wasn’t my first instrument but it was the instrument I was most interested in. It as my middle school band director Mr. Puritz and my uncle Jimmy, my dads brother, that first saw I had talent. In high school I decided to pursue a very brief football career lol that did not amount to anything. And Mr. Puritz would end up taking the band director position at my high school and encouraged me to play the trumpet again. After I was introduced to the possibilities I didn’t stop.

After graduating high school in Stamford , CT I decided to follow my brother by going to Morehouse College. It was there I met 5 amazing individuals and founded the group Jaspects. As apart of Jaspects that’s when I realized I wanted to do this for a living. Being apart of Jaspects laid the groundwork for me to meet play with and learn from some of the industries most respect professionals. One of those would end up being Pj Morton. Being able to tour, record and be mentored by him changed the trajectory of my career tremendously. My connection to Morehouse and Pj is was opened the door for me to have the opportunity to begin touring with Bruno Mars.

The connect was Kenneth Whalum that entrusted me with the opportunity that at first was supposed to be a 3-month opportunity that turned into a 10 plus year brotherhood. That is where you find me today. On top of my playing opportunities, I have also released an EP, His Pathways: The Singles EP, and an album, A Dreamer’s Tale, in pursuit of a solo career. And now I perform as myself, with Bruno Mars and Silk Sonic.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been smooth and there have many failures along the way. Honestly too many to count that even happen now. The reality is leading to this position was not the easiest road. The first struggle that is always seared into my mind is the reaction of my parents when I told them I was going to pursue music.

My parents were not very supportive of my initial decision to pursue music. I realize the main reason is that they did not know how I could be successful and realized in a talent-based industry that failure can possibly leave you in a destitute situation. But it also taught me to believe in myself early and that as long as I continue to be a good steward over what God has given me anything is possible.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am mostly known for playing the trumpet for Bruno Mars. I have had the privilege of performing and recording with many great artists. However, Bruno has definitely opened many doors for me which I’m grateful for. Being with him I have toured the world 3 times, I have performed at 2 Super Bowls, 5 Grammy’s and countless award shows. Recently I started singing and rapping with my own artistry that first began with the group I founded in college Jaspects. I have also had the opportunity to perform with Silk Sonic on the Grammy’s, BET Awards and music videos.

I am most proud of my recent project A Dreamer’s Tale. This projects embodies everything I want to be as an artist. As I grow as a singer, songwriter and trumpet player I know the sky is the limit of what I can achieve. I am truly looking forward to more opportunities as an artist and to see what doors open for me in the future.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
A favorite childhood memory of mine is that is skiing with my family. Every year my parents would make an effort to make sure we had these family trips to connect with each other as a family.

Contact Info:

• Email: Angela@fullcircleconsultinggroup.net
• Website: www.itsjimmyking.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/itsjimmyking
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/jimmykingfanpage

Image Credits
Florent Déchard Skyy Wonders