Kim Marie Fragodt is a talented and versatile vocalist, pianist and arranger of all genres who has performed in many venues throughout the Twin Cities, Greater Minnesota, and Europe. Kim was a finalist for a McKnight Foundation Fellowship Award for Performing Musicians administered by Mac Phail Center for Music for her jazz debut album in 2000. She has appeared in churches, clubs and concert halls across the U.S. and Sweden, and was the vocalist with Bend in the River Big Band from 1995 to 2002. She sings all styles, including pop, rock, folk, jazz, swing, big band, contemporary Christian, and gospel. You name it – Kim can sing it!

Kim has produced three albums: “Child’s Way Home,” a collection of original music in the folk and rock style co- produced with her husband, Brian Fragodt,  “Fly Me to the Moon,” an album of jazz standards, and most recently “Get Ready,” a collection of cover tunes from the past 4 decades, all arranged by Kim. 

Hear what others are saying about Kim’s music:

“Kim has an unusually personal voice.  Like many of the great singers, the audience feels as though she is singing to each of them.”
Mark Lammers, Ph.D.  and former music dept. chair of Gustavus Adolphus College.

“Kim sings from her heart with a warm vocal quality.  She engages every audience with her exceptional musical talent and sparking personality.  She possesses a warm and crystal clear tone quality…impeccable intonation…an intimate and lively delivery style…a sparkling personality  that comes through even on a recording.” 
Robert Hallquist,  Ph.D. and director of Bend in the River Big Band.

“The crisp vocals of Diana Krall, the sultriness of Norah Jones and the vocal strength of Martina McBride.”
Ben Bjornson, Ham Lake, Minnesota.

“Boy, oh, Boy, can Kim Fragodt sing!  From Ella Fitzgerald to Elton John with Kathy Mattea and gospel mixed in.  The distribution of talent in this world is so unbalanced.  Kim has my share of the gifts. And yours. "
Jan Ledin Michaletz, Minneapolis, MN.

“I have all of Kim’s cd’s.  I play them at work – customers and employees love them.  There is something for everyone.  I feel so much better after listening to them.”
Jodi H., Anoka, MN.

“Kim Fragodt’s latest CD “Get Ready,” highlights her rich, mellow tones that are apparent in her musical sensitivity and interpretation of the songs she sings on this disc.  Think of a combination of Anne Murray and Karen Carpenter and you are close to describing Kim’s vocal range and sound….AWESOME! "
Vickie and Tom, Willmar, Minnesota.

“Get Ready” showcases Kim’s perfect vocals with a selection of positive pieces and a group of musicians who compliment her talent.  This is the CD I have been waiting for!  I put it on whenever I need a lift. "
Keith Hammerbeck, East Bethel, Minnesota.

Dear Kim, I wish I could express how much much your music means to me.  You have brought so much happiness to me with your beautiful voice.  When I listen to you sing I feel like I’m experiencing heaven on earth.  You touch my soul.
Pam Maltby, 2011. 

Kim, you are one amazing lady…but that is no surprise!  The concert last night was so heart-warming, funny, and entertaining.  Thank you for continuing to share an amazing  gift which God has blessed you with!

Early years
Growing up on a farm in rural Minnesota, Kim began her singing career in an empty grain bin. Summer was her favorite time of year, because, as the corn supply dwindled inside the dusty tower, the reverb inside the bin grew to provide a rich, long reverb, which only enhanced Kim’s already rich, full voice, and encouraged her to experience with different ways to vocalize. Her only audience was the cows, sheep, hogs, and horses surrounding the grain bin –all very forgiving creatures! As her confidence grew, so did her audience.
Known for her perfect pitch and ability to play anything by ear on the piano, Kim began doing gigs all over Southern Minnesota by the age of 12. Her jazz career began while at Gustavus Adolphus College, a Liberal Arts college in St. Peter, MN. She was invited by Dr. Mark Lammers, to serve as vocalist with the College Jazz Band, where she quickly established herself as a solid musician and noted performer. At that point, Kim discovered her affinity for jazz standards and working with a big band came very easily for her because she also served as lead trombonist with the band in previous years. The trombone matched her vocal range perfectly and while practicing her improvisation on trombone, she soon discovered that she could do the same with her voice.
In recent years, Kim’s interest in blues and gospel has blossomed, and she continues to experiment with different ways to bring the beauty of the jazz genre to the general public.

Education/Awards
B.A. Vocal and Instrumental Music, Gustavus Adolphus College 1983
Recipient of Presser Scholarship for Music Education Gustavus Adolphus College 1983
Music Educator, Minnesota Public Schools 1983-1999
Teacher of the Year Wabasso Public Schools 1993
McKnight Fellowship Finalist 2000

Composition
Kim is also an accomplished pianist, arranger, and composer of liturgical music.
Her worship liturgies Cornerstone and Morningstar, co-written with her husband, are heard across the country in many churches.

Present:
Kim is Director of the Wednesday Night Live contemporary worship band at Trinity Lutheran Church of Long Lake, MN., where she continues to compose and arrange music for the church’s worship band.

Musical Influences:
Kurt Elling
Joni Mitchell
Nils Lindberg
Ella Fitzgerald
Lizz Wright
Craig “CC” Clark
Helen Merrill
Peggy Lee
Duke Ellington
Chris Connor
Mavis Staples
Gladys Knight