Biography

KEVIN FITZSIMMONS
JAZZ SWING SINGER/SONGWRITER

Being the son of a 1950′s model & a singer/pianist father, with family members who’ve acted in films with Richard Burton, Peter Sellers, Michael Caine & David Niven – and the stunt director of the epic film ‘Zulu’ also in the family – meant a career in entertainment was a strong possibility for London born singer Kevin Fitzsimmons.

At around the age of five Kevin first discovered ‘the American songbook’, singing Pennies from Heaven accompanied by his father, whose constant renditions of Gershwin, Porter and Berlin were to leave an irreversible impression. By his early twenties, Kevin found himself in the company of and performing with other like minded aficionados and their profound knowledge and musicianship helped forward his studies; they included the late American saxophonist Spike Robinson, John Critchinson (piano accompanist with Ronnie Scott at his eponymous Club), and bass player Lennie Bush – who sessioned with Frank Sinatra himself, on his album “Great Songs from Great Britain”.

Kevin Fitzsimmons has performed at a huge variety of venues over the years: ranging from world class hotels, corporate events, jazz clubs, product launches, regional theatres, stately homes, palaces & chateaux, museums, TV companies, racecourses, an airshow & a premiership football match, and his long list of high-end clients is both impressive and enviable (see Clients/References pages). They include media giant NBC Universal for a private party, and Anschutz Entertainment Group, owners of the 02 Arena, for a private event to celebrate their acquisition of the venue. Other media work has included: a launch for the prestigious brand Hermes-Paris & promotional events for the equally prestigious brand Louis Vuitton; vocals for the San Pellegrino ‘Dinner at Eight’ radio advertising campaign, aired in the USA; and vocals for a TV ad campaign for Price-Drop.tv.  His TV appearances include on E4′s Made In Chelsea, BBC’s Don’t Tell The Bride & SKY’s Wedding TV. A personal highlight was being chosen by Reel Art Press to perform at the London launch of classy new book The Rat Pack (written by bestselling U.S. author of Rat Pack Confidential Shawn Levy) held at Soho House, which went down so well Reel Art Press re-booked him for the book’s New York launch, held at trendy Soho House NY.

Stars from the world of show business and sport who’ve personally booked Kevin for their own private occasions include BBC Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones, actress and EastEnders star Samantha (Janus) Womack for her celebrity-studded wedding featured in OK! Magazine, England/Liverpool footballer Glen Johnson for a charity dinner in aid of Make-A-Wish foundation, and Yorkshire/England cricketer Anthony McGrath for his ‘Question Of Sport’ Charity Dinner (hosted by England cricketer/Strictly Come Dancing winner Darren Gough). Sky Sports TV presenter (& ex-Harlequins/Wasps Rugby star) Mike Wedderburn also personally booked Kevin for his ‘Hollywood themed’ Ball. Another highlight was performing for a V.I.P. private client who loved Sinatra, at The Ritz hotel, that was attended by H.R.H. The Prince Of Wales as well as royalty from all over Europe. One of his regrets was being unavailable when asked to perform with Dean Martin’s daughter Deana Martin in her touring UK show about the life of her father.

As well as supplying entertainment at countless weddings, parties & corporate events all over the UK, Kevin & his band also fit in the odd public gig at select Jazz Clubs  -  performing fresh-sounding jazz standards, own jazz arrangements of iconic pop tunes & the odd self-penned song (the ones on his album were praised by Malcolm Laycock, former BBC Radio 2 Big Band presenter, who said “may I flatter you on the quality, both the music and the clever lyrics. I am impressed”).  These live dates have proved very popular (his debut at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club was sold out a month prior to the date, and he’s also performed at the historic Birdland Jazz Club, off Broadway, New York),  as well as receiving great feedback.  Described by Jazz FM as “….his voice is an irresistible mix of Sinatra, Bennett & Buble – backed by a world class band”, Kevin’s sextet featured in their own hour long live show on Jazz FM’s Discovery Show.

All of Kevin Fitzsimmons performances are delivered with bona fide presence and he performs effortlessly not only the less challenging songs but also the more vocally difficult. He can be booked for any type (or size) of event and with any backing from piano to orchestra or solo – and when solo only uses highest quality live recordings of American big band singer arrangements.

The result of all this…..a truly memorable experience.

Height: 6ft 1”
Hair: Dark Brown
Eyes: Hazel
Place of birth: London
Main Musical influences: Mark Murphy, Mel Torme, Sinatra, Johnny Mercer, Billy Strayhorn, Lorenz Hart.

Kevin Fitzsimmons is a London & Essex based Swing Singer for weddings whose top-drawer live vocal performances and natural ability to swing a song have made him one of the most popular Wedding Swing Singers /Michael Buble Wedding Singers(click to to hear live demos) throughout the UK & abroad – see Video Page. To enquire about hiring for your wedding or event - either as solo Swing Wedding Singer/Big Band Singer or with Rat Pack Wedding Band or Wedding Swing/Jazz Band – go to Contact  Page or telephone Avril directly on 01702 219501/ 07905 169764.

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