Leehom Wang (born May 17, 1976) is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, actor and film director of Chinese descent. Dubbed “Elvis of the East” by England’s Word Magazine (July 2010 issue) after achieving status as China’s top selling act of 2009. Formally trained at the Eastman School of Music, Williams College and Berklee College of Music, his musical style is known for fusing Chinese elements (such as Beijing opera, traditional styles of ethnic minorities, Chinese classical orchestra) with hip-hop and R&B. Wang Leehom has been active since 1995 and contributed in 25 albums. He is also a four-time winner of Taiwan’s Golden Melody Awards, the “Grammys” of Chinese music.
In addition to his music, Wang Leehom also acted in several films, including Ang Lee’s Lust, Caution and Jackie Chan’s film Little Big Soldier. He is also an environmental activist, and his album Change Me was dedicated to raising eco-awareness among Chinese youth. Wang Leehom was one of the first torchbearers for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, and performed in the Olympics’ closing ceremony in Beijing. Wang Leehom was listed among “The 100 Most Inspiring Asian Americans of All Time” by Goldsea Asian American Daily.[3]
Chinese name 王力宏
Pinyin Wáng Lìhóng (Mandarin)
Birth name Alexander Leehom Wang
Ancestry Yiwu, Zhejiang, China[1] Origin Republic of China (Taiwan)
Born May 17, 1976 (1976-05-17) (age 34) Rochester, New York, USA
Occupation Singer-songwriter, musician, film director, actor, record producer, music arranger, commercial model
Genre(s) Pop, R&B, rap, hip hop, rock, jazz, Broadway
Instrument(s) Violin, piano, drums, guitar, bass/electric guitar, erhu, vibraphone, harmonica, chinese flutes, guzheng, etc.
Voice type(s) Tenor
Label(s) Sony Music Decca (1996–1997) BMG (1995–1996)
Years active 1995–present
Influences Stevie Wonder, Prince, Alicia Keys, Outkast, Missy Elliott, R. Kelly, The Neptunes
Source: sznews.com Editor: 王佳