× Upcoming Events Salute to our Partners Thank you to our Donors Campus Maps Ticket Information Support Us Education Rentals Enhance Your Experience Board and Council Staff Past Events
Home Salute to our Partners Thank you to our Donors Campus Maps Ticket Information Support Us Education Rentals Enhance Your Experience Board and Council Staff
Julian King
Guest Artist

Julian King is an Emmy-nominated R&B/pop singer-songwriter, vocalist, educator, content creator, and creative strategist whose powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence continue to position him as one of Philadelphia’s most dynamic rising artists. A Top 32 finalist on NBC’s The Voice (Team John Legend), King has built a multifaceted career that seamlessly blends artistry, education, digital storytelling, and cultural impact.

In 2025, King expanded his musical footprint by contributing background vocals for Sam Smith’s “To Be Free,” appearing both on the official recording and in the visual campaign surrounding the release, including a performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He is also the Emmy-nominated voice behind the original theme song for All Boys Aren’t Blue and has shared stages with acclaimed artists including Mary J. Blige and John Legend.

A proud Philadelphia native of Black and Japanese descent, King draws inspiration from genre-defining artists like Beyoncé and Prince, channeling emotional storytelling, theatricality, and live musicianship into his work as a vocalist, pianist, performer, and songwriter. In 2023, he was named a runner-up in Billboard and Samsung’s NXT 2.0 competition, where his finale performance amassed more than 1.3 million views on YouTube. Most recently, he energized audiences during performances surrounding Philadelphia’s renowned Roots Picnic in his hometown.

Beyond music, King has emerged as a trusted voice in digital media and influencer marketing, collaborating with brands, campaigns, and cultural institutions through lifestyle content, music storytelling, and community-driven campaigns. His creator work has included partnerships connected to Live Nation Urban, the Philadelphia Union, and digital campaign work surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris.

King also serves within The Recording Academy as both a Voting Member and GRAMMY U Mentor, while contributing to the organization’s Content Creation Team, helping capture and amplify stories across music, culture, and entertainment. His commitment to mentorship and arts education extends into the classroom, where he currently teaches music to students in grades K–8, blending contemporary music culture with traditional music education to inspire the next generation of artists and creatives. His impact in education was nationally recognized through receiving a teaching honor from Honored for his innovation, passion, and dedication in the classroom.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, King expanded his creative skill set by diving into music production and audio engineering, ushering in a new era of collaboration and artistic independence. Today, he continues to work with artists and clients around the world through platforms like SoundBetter while building a career rooted in authenticity, versatility, and cultural connection.

Julian King continues to redefine what it means to be a modern creative — equally at home on stage, in the studio, behind the camera, and in the classroom.

Julian King
Guest Artist

Julian King is an Emmy-nominated R&B/pop singer-songwriter, vocalist, educator, content creator, and creative strategist whose powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence continue to position him as one of Philadelphia’s most dynamic rising artists. A Top 32 finalist on NBC’s The Voice (Team John Legend), King has built a multifaceted career that seamlessly blends artistry, education, digital storytelling, and cultural impact.

In 2025, King expanded his musical footprint by contributing background vocals for Sam Smith’s “To Be Free,” appearing both on the official recording and in the visual campaign surrounding the release, including a performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He is also the Emmy-nominated voice behind the original theme song for All Boys Aren’t Blue and has shared stages with acclaimed artists including Mary J. Blige and John Legend.

A proud Philadelphia native of Black and Japanese descent, King draws inspiration from genre-defining artists like Beyoncé and Prince, channeling emotional storytelling, theatricality, and live musicianship into his work as a vocalist, pianist, performer, and songwriter. In 2023, he was named a runner-up in Billboard and Samsung’s NXT 2.0 competition, where his finale performance amassed more than 1.3 million views on YouTube. Most recently, he energized audiences during performances surrounding Philadelphia’s renowned Roots Picnic in his hometown.

Beyond music, King has emerged as a trusted voice in digital media and influencer marketing, collaborating with brands, campaigns, and cultural institutions through lifestyle content, music storytelling, and community-driven campaigns. His creator work has included partnerships connected to Live Nation Urban, the Philadelphia Union, and digital campaign work surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris.

King also serves within The Recording Academy as both a Voting Member and GRAMMY U Mentor, while contributing to the organization’s Content Creation Team, helping capture and amplify stories across music, culture, and entertainment. His commitment to mentorship and arts education extends into the classroom, where he currently teaches music to students in grades K–8, blending contemporary music culture with traditional music education to inspire the next generation of artists and creatives. His impact in education was nationally recognized through receiving a teaching honor from Honored for his innovation, passion, and dedication in the classroom.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, King expanded his creative skill set by diving into music production and audio engineering, ushering in a new era of collaboration and artistic independence. Today, he continues to work with artists and clients around the world through platforms like SoundBetter while building a career rooted in authenticity, versatility, and cultural connection.

Julian King continues to redefine what it means to be a modern creative — equally at home on stage, in the studio, behind the camera, and in the classroom.