From UK to Hollywood: Alum’s career spans hit songs, TV, film

James “Jimmy” Dunne, a 1977 University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences graduate, has built a successful and wide-ranging career in entertainment — as a songwriter, composer, television and film producer, and entrepreneur.

As a student at UK, Dunne found early creative outlets through writing and music. He worked as a writer for the Kentucky Kernel and was deeply influenced by professors who encouraged his passions. After graduation, Dunne moved to Los Angeles to launch his career, working as a writer and producer on hit shows like “Happy Days,” writing songs recorded by major artists, like Whitney Houston, and creating music for dozens of hit TV shows and movies. His songs have garnered more than 75 gold, platinum and multi-platinum records from countries spanning the globe. Over the last two decades, he has built a successful branding and content company.

Earlier this year, Dunne and his wife were temporarily displaced from their condo in the Pacific Palisades as wildfire cleanup efforts swept through the area. Though their home was spared, they were heartbroken to witness the complete destruction of their former family home (where they had lived for nearly 40 years before moving in 2021) along with so many other homes in their community. Through it all, Dunne found strength in the support of his family and the community around him. Described as a community leader by neighbors and friends, Dunne has become a driving force in local rebuilding efforts.

“I’d say — and I think I speak for many, many people in the Palisades — there were so many wonderful acts of kindness that happened along this journey, where you see what people are truly made of during something like this,” Dunne said. “It makes you realize you’ve just got to stand up and go forward.”

This fall, UK will formally recognize Dunne’s impact and achievements as he is inducted into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni — something he describes as “a humbling, unexpected honor.”

Read more about Dunne and his extraordinary story in this article by Dan Knapp, featured in UK Alumni Association’s News from the Blue.