Michael Feinstein Biography

Michael Feinstein, born on September 7, 1956, in Columbus, Ohio, is a celebrated composer, conductor, musician, and archivist known for his devotion to preserving the Great American Songbook. Beginning piano lessons at the tender age of five, Feinstein quickly demonstrated a natural talent for playing by ear, which ultimately led him to forgo formal training and pursue a self-directed study of music. In 1976, his family's move to Los Angeles opened avenues in the music industry, and in 1977, he was hired by iconic lyricist Ira Gershwin to assist with the Gershwin archives, a position he held until Gershwin's death in 1983.

Following his time with Gershwin, Feinstein began to establish his career as a performer, focusing on the classic music of the 1930s and 1940s. His performances at the Algonquin Hotel in New York starting in 1986 garnered significant recognition and eventually led to his debut album, "Live at the Algonquin." By the late 1990s, Feinstein secured a record contract, resulting in a series of acclaimed albums such as "Michael & George: Feinstein Sings Gershwin" (1998) and "Romance on Film, Romance on Broadway" (2000).

In addition to his recording career, Feinstein founded the Great American Songbook Initiative in 2008, aimed at preserving and promoting the music that has shaped American culture. This initiative includes a competition for up-and-coming vocalists and produced a three-part PBS documentary series titled "Michael Feinstein's American Songbook," which illustrates the evolution of American popular music through 1960 and features Feinstein鈥檚 own experiences.

Feinstein's contributions to music and theater extend to musical theater, where he was named Principal Pops Conductor for the Pasadena POPS in 2012. His leadership has revitalized the ensemble, enhancing its reputation and popularity. Notably, he released his album "Change of Heart: The Songs of Andr茅 Previn" in 2013 and has published a memoir, "The Gershwins and Me: A Personal History in Twelve Songs" (2012), which includes a companion CD of his performances of Gershwin songs.

Furthering his impact, Feinstein opened the nightclub Feinstein's at Loews Regency in New York in 1999, establishing a venue for top talent in pop and jazz until its closure in 2012 due to renovations. He later opened Feinstein's at the Nikko in San Francisco and partnered with 54 Below in New York City, rebranding it as Feinstein's/54 Below until 2022.

As a renowned figure in the performing arts, Feinstein has hosted the weekly radio program "Song Travels with Michael Feinstein," exploring iconic pieces of the American songbook and their cultural significance. He has also been a prominent guest host on Turner Classic Movies, further showcasing his commitment to American musical heritage. His enduring career as a multi-platinum-selling artist and five-time Grammy nominee cements Feinstein's status as a vital interpreter of America's musical legacy.