Harold Payne is a Multi-platinum songwriter, TEDx speaker, and master improviser, who has written songs for such diverse artists as Rod Stewart, Patti Labelle, and Carlos Santana as well as longtime collaborator, Bobby Womack; and literally from Peter Paul & Mary to Snoop Dogg. He has also created customized songs for Regis Philbin, Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul), Kyle Cease (at the Dolby Theater) & the National Speakers Association conference.
Although a major part of his career has involved songwriting, he has maintained a performance schedule over several decades averaging over 200 dates per year. Harold has played almost every imaginable venue… from amphitheaters, festivals & Houses of Blues to corporate events, houses of worship & concerts. He has opened for Van Morrison, Kenny Loggins, Heart, Emmy Lou Harris, Air Supply, The Beach Boys, and Hawaiian legend “Iz” (Israel Kamakawiwo`ole).
Harold has debuted the “Under the Radar, Over the Moon at the Binge Fringe Festival, Soaring Solo Stars Series, and, most recently at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in Hollywood. He will be touring this one-man show internationally throughout 2024 & 2025.
Music Connection Magazine
LIVE REVIEW: Harold Payne in Hollywood
August 28, 2024
Zephyr Theater, Hollywood Fringe Festival
Review by: Rich Marchetta
Musicianship: Harold owns his guitar chops evident during his fingerpicking tunes or when he asks the crowd to shout out a title or subject matter to which he will improvise in the moment a song for them and then ask what type of style do you want me to play it in? Country, folk, blues, samba? It’s clear it’s not about the guitar, but it serves the song as the audience would appreciate it in the moment, like a jazz artist improving with lyrics.
Summary: In Harold’s words, “I’ve opened for major artists who came off their tour buses, and hit the stage saying hello Cleveland or Denver, and end up correcting themselves. They had no idea what city they were in. I’m grateful I got to taste the glow without getting burned.” Under the radar and over the moon, an artful dodger indeed.
FULL REVIEW HERE:
https://www.musicconnection.com/live-review-of-harold-payne-in-hollywood/
ATTENDEE REVIEWS
The Hollywood Fringe Festival June 2024
“Harold Payne’s show “Under the Radar Over the Moon” is totally entertaining, as well as inspiring, especially to other artists. Actually anyone who tries to live a meaningful life will be inspired by this show, artist or not. I thought the title of the show was brilliant. Loved his times of exhilaration and his priorities mission statement of helping people were fulfilled.”
“Harold exudes warmth with a rare inclusivity for his audience, and clearly a deep passion and love for his craft. He himself, like his body of work, has the ability to make you care and share and align your awareness with what it means to be human. His storytelling about the songs he wrote was interesting, fun, often funny too and always real, meaningful and poignant. He seems at home in everything he does. Whether doing improve, such as making up songs on the spot, or sharing his experiences about the people he met along the way in pictures on a big screen behind him, he’s a unifying artist.”
“Harold’s conversational style makes you feel as if a longtime friend and you are having a heart-to-heart and reminiscing, as well as, celebrating for the next adventure! The music and the way in which Harold so easily weaves into his story makes for an entertaining and meaningful theatrical event. This musical journey through Harold’s life will have you singing along, smiling and even tearing up at the more poignant aspects of his story. This is an at times interactive show with improvised songs! It is an uplifting show that reminds us of the intrinsic value of sharing our gifts.”
