Jimmie Earl Perry

Teacher, actor, singer

Mr. Jimmie Earl Perry, Director of Educational Theatre and Creative Arts for the Africa Centre of HIV/AIDS Management since 2004 at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. He is also the first African American and South African to be appointed by the UNAIDS as Special Goodwill Ambassador. His work in South Africa, Namibia and the United States has been acknowledged as one of the major forces in minimizing new HIV infections to the youth.

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THE VOICE

Soothing, soulful, full of wisdom and musicality. Undeniably…..a joy to listen to. A tasteful and cultured mixture of rhythm and blues, jazz, and gospel influences.

EXCEPTIONAL

EXCEPTIONAL classical, theatrical and gospel training. Sharing this wealth with the youth so that they may master their gifts.

POWERFUL

POWERFUL is the voice. Commanding personality that grabs your attention when he sings and when he speaks of the fulfillment his work in HIV/AIDS education brings to him.

THRILLING AND EXCITING you with every lyrical phrase and musical interpretation. As well as producing musical events that are unlike any other performances you will experience.

The Music

Jimmie Earl Perry

Knocking’ on Heavens’ Door

African Dream
Let Somebody Know
Stoned Love
Knocking On Heaven’s Door
Gotta Serve Somebody
Jesus Will Fix It
Your Heart And Mine
Up Where We Belong
Man In The Mirror
Love Will Make This A Better Place

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Jimmie Earl Perry

Knocking’ on Heavens’ Door

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Jimmie Earl Perry

Power of the Dream

Flying Without Wings
Imagine
Power Of One
Destination Africa
Try A Little Tenderness
Have A Talk With God
Somewhere
Power Of The Dream
Raging Waters
What The World Needs Now
Avalanche

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Jimmie Earl Perry

Power of the Dream

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BIO Jimmie Earl Perry

Mr. Perry, who dreamed strongly to further his education and travel the world with his talent and passion for sharing music, has accomplished an eclectic and successful performing career.

While studying at the famous Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey and as a choir member of Symphonic Choir he has performed major choral works, composed and/or conducted by Leopold Stokowski, Leonard Bernstein, Dave Brubeck at Lincoln Center with the New York Philharmonic and Carnegie Hall with the Symphonic Choir. He earned his teaching certificate and began substitute teaching in the New Jersey Education system for two years. Saving enough money to embark on his show business journey in New York City where he performed in numerous off-broadway productions, attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, toured with theatre companies across America. In 1976, he landed his first international tour in a musical (Let My People Come) which took him to Australia for several years where he also recorded his debut single on Warner Bros International Records in Sydney and Los Angeles.

In 1985 he was cast as Old Deuteronomy in Andrew Lloyd Webbers’ “CATS” in the original Canadian cast production in Toronto for 4 years. Later, as an original cast member in Cameron MacIntosh’s “Miss Saigon” at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto in 1992. In 1999 he joined Webbers exciting musical, “Starlight Express” as Papa, for 2 years in Bochum, Germany. In 2002, was honored to play the role of Pontius Pilate in “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Bad Hersfeld Festspiele and an original cast recording of this show is available. He also performed Pontius Pilate in the famed European tour of JCS with director/choreographer Baayork Lee in 2005. In 2015/2016, Mr. Perry was honored to be cast as the understudy for the lead character Orpheus McAdoo, in David Kramers new musical “Orpheus in Africa” at the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town.

A guest appearance on “Kids In The Hall” comedy series and his great highlight of performances was an embrace from Nelson Mandela after performing the lead vocal with the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir in Montreal after Mandela’s release from prison during his world freedom tour at Place d’Armes in Montreal in 1992. The song, To the Glory of God, can be heard on the Glory Train album by this gospel choir. His dream to see the world was also realized by 4 years of performing on 3 of Cunards most popular and classic cruise ships, including the QE2. While in South Africa, Mr. Perry has had principle roles in a 3 part television series “Triangle”, as well as for Mnet, “Orion”, as Mr. Luke Powell. He was also featured in the hit comedy show “Laugh Out Loud” with Deon Maas. He has recorded many radio and television voice overs in South Africa, such as Masterlock, Checkers, Sunshine D, Audi, Musica, Old Mutual and a host of others. He was seen nationally on American television in a high profile commercial for Lilly Pharmaceuticals. He recorded his first self-produced album, “Power of the Dream”, in South Africa with a worldwide release with Gallo Records. His newest album “Knocking On Heavens Door” featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo on NEXT Music label, and a host of international musical friends. Both are available on all major online music distributors; iTunes, Amazon, jimmieearlperry.com and Spotify.