Fareed Simpson is a Philadelphia born trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and educator whose artistry bridges the rich traditions of jazz, the expressive spirit of gospel music, and contemporary musical innovation. Rooted in the musical heritage of his hometown, Simpson has established himself as a versatile performer, equally at home as a commanding lead trumpeter, improvising soloist, and creative bandleader.

Simpson currently serves as a split-lead trumpeter with the Airmen of Note, the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force, and as an Artist-in-Residence on the jazz faculty at Temple University. His performance credits include the Count Basie Orchestra, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, and Arturo O'Farrill's Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra.

His versatility has also led to collaborations across genres. Simpson performed as lead trumpeter on The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour, featuring Lauryn Hill and the Fugees, alongside performances involving artists such as Nas, Black Thought, Questlove, and Lil Wayne. His recording credits also include work with Grammy-winning gospel artist Tye Tribbett.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Simpson began playing trumpet at the age of eight. His musical foundation was shaped by his parents, both musicians, and by the spirituals and gospel traditions of Shiloh Temple Church of God in Christ. He further developed his musicianship through the Mount Airy Cultural Center's jazz program and mentorship from Philadelphia musicians Byard Lancaster and Tony Williams. Drawing inspiration from Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Lee Morgan, and Freddie Hubbard, Simpson developed an approach that combines the language and swing of the jazz tradition with a deeply personal musical expression.

A graduate of Temple University, where he earned his master's degree in music, Simpson received the prestigious Presser Graduate Research Award. He was also recognized as an outstanding soloist at Jazz at Lincoln Center's 2020 Jack Rudin Jazz Championship and performed on Temple University's Constant Renaissance, a Grammy-nominated recording.

Beyond the stage, Simpson is a filmmaker, producer, and researcher whose work explores the cultural connections between music, history, and community. His documentary projects include The Second Line Bebop Series (2021), Saxophone City (2022), and Brass and Brotherly Love (2023). His research article, Second Line Bebop: Cultural Parallels Between Philadelphia and New Orleans, was published in the peer-reviewed journal Jazz Education in Research and Practice.

As a bandleader, Simpson leads his own jazz ensemble, drawing on Philadelphia's storied hard-bop and straight-ahead jazz traditions while exploring his own compositional voice. He also co-leads Brothers.Ink with his brother, saxophonist Kynoebi Simpson. Through performance, composition, education, and cultural exploration, Simpson continues to honor the legacy of the musicians who came before him while contributing his own voice to the next generation of jazz.