Kym Sims: The Chicago House Music Vocalist

Kym Sims is an American vocalist who became a defining voice in early 1990s house music. Hailing from Chicago, the genre's birthplace, she achieved international fame with her 1991 club anthem "Too Blind to See It," a track that became a staple on dance floors and radio across Europe and the US.

Early career

Born in 1965, Kym Sims grew up in Chicago, Illinois, immersed in the city's rich musical culture. Her professional journey began with background vocals for local gospel groups before she was discovered by producer Mark "M.K." Kinchen, a key figure in the Detroit and Chicago dance scenes.

This connection led to her first recording contract with the influential A&M Records, which was actively expanding its dance music roster at the time. Her early work with Kinchen established the signature blend of soulful vocals and driving house beats that would characterize her career.

Breakthrough

Sims' breakthrough arrived decisively in 1991 with the release of "Too Blind to See It." The single was lifted from her debut album of the same name, released on A&M Records. The track's infectious piano riff and Sims' powerful, emotive delivery resonated globally.

"Too Blind to See It" climbed to number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and spent an impressive 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, peaking at number 62. Its success was solidified with a gold certification in the United Kingdom for sales exceeding 400,000 copies.

Key tracks

Too Blind to See It — This 1991 single is her signature hit, achieving gold status in the UK and becoming a perennial house music classic.

Take My Advice — Another major single from her debut album, this track further cemented her status on international dance charts.

A Little Bit More — Featured on her second album, this 1994 release showcased her evolving sound within the house genre.

You're My One and Only — This collaboration with producer M.K. highlighted the potent creative partnership that launched her career.

Later career and legacy

Following the success of her debut, Sims released her second album, "Too Blind to See It and More," in 1992, which included new mixes and material. She continued to record throughout the 1990s, working with notable producers like Frankie Knuckles on the track "I'll Be Your Friend."

While subsequent singles did not match the colossal chart impact of her debut, Kym Sims remained a respected and active figure in the house music community. Her voice is instantly recognizable on countless dance compilations from the era, and she continues to perform at club events and festivals dedicated to classic house music.

Her influence is heard in the work of later vocal house artists. For fans of classic house music, similar artists featured on our site include Crystal Waters who also mastered the art of the catchy, soulful house anthem. Robin S shares a similar legacy of powerful vocals over driving piano-house rhythms. CeCe Peniston emerged in the same era with a comparable blend of gospel-inflected power and dancefloor energy. The iconic Inner City represents the pioneering Detroit sound that heavily influenced the Chicago house scene Sims helped popularize.

Kym Sims' music maintains a strong presence on radio formats dedicated to classic dance and retro hits. Her tracks are frequently featured on specialty shows focusing on 90s house music, adult contemporary stations with dance segments, and online radio streams that celebrate the history of electronic dance music.

Listeners can explore the classic house sound of Kym Sims through the radio stations available on onairium.com, where her timeless hits remain in regular rotation on dedicated dance and retro music channels.