Wang Leehom

Wang Leehom, born in May 1976 in New York City, USA, is a Mandarin pop singer, music producer, actor, and director. He received an honorary degree from Williams College in 2002 and studied at the Berklee College of Music in the United States, where he earned a dual master's degree. His family background is quite distinguished; his great-grandfather was a Chinese naval general, his grandfather was involved in Taiwan's business sector, and other family members include scholars and professionals, with many university graduates.

Wang Leehom began formal Western music education at a young age. In 1982, he started learning the violin and practiced six hours daily. He began learning piano in 1984. In June 1988, he graduated from Pittsford Elementary School and then attended Pittsford Sutherland Middle School. That same year, he joined the Rochester Pilhaumonica Youth Orchestra as a violinist. In the 1990s, he completed high school in the United States, graduating with a perfect SAT score and receiving a Distinguished American Student Scholarship. In 1994, Wang Leehom passed the violin department entrance exam at Eastman School of Music and received an honor award.

In 1994, he was accepted by Yale University, Princeton University, and Williams College, ultimately choosing to attend Williams College, initially majoring in biology before switching to music and Asian studies. After completing his undergraduate studies, he obtained a dual master's degree from Berklee College of Music.

Wang Leehom returned to Taiwan in 1995 after being discovered by talent scouts and entered the entertainment industry. That year, he released his first solo album, *Loving Enemy Beethoven*, under Sony Music. He gradually shifted to being a singer-songwriter, releasing *If You Hear My Song* in 1996, which began to bring him recognition. In 1998, he left Amazing Grace Records and joined Sony Records, releasing *Transcending Self*, experimenting with R&B elements in his music and taking on roles in composing, arranging, and production. He has since received numerous music awards, including the Top Ten Records Award from the Chinese Musicians' Association and Best Record Producer at the Taiwan Golden Melody Awards.

In 2000, he released the self-produced album *Forever the First Day*, blending rock, jazz, and pop, which earned multiple music awards. That same year, he performed at China Central Television’s Spring Festival Gala and appeared as either a supporting or leading actor in several movies. In 2003, he released the Japanese album *The Only One* and the Mandarin album *Incredible*, gaining widespread attention. He continued to innovate his musical style, experimenting with a Chinese hip-hop style called "Chinked-out," and he has received numerous awards in his music and entertainment career.

Beyond his music and film work, Wang Leehom is also actively involved in charitable activities, including disaster relief, supporting children's education, and more. His siblings excel academically and have achieved notable accomplishments in academia and professional fields.

Wang Leehom’s music incorporates diverse cultural elements, blending traditional Chinese and Western influences with modern pop sounds. He holds a highly influential position in the Chinese music industry and is regarded as one of the significant figures in Mandopop.