Michael Feinstein
Michael Feinstein - Keeper of American Songbook
For many years now, Michael Feinstein has been someone truly special in the world of music, someone who has dedicated his life to sharing tunes that mean a great deal to a lot of people. He has, in a way, spent over thirty years bringing the wonderful melodies and words of what folks call the Great American Songbook to listeners everywhere, making sure these pieces of music get heard and appreciated by new generations. His work is, you know, a celebration of songs that tell stories and stir feelings, tunes that have a very lasting quality.
This individual, Michael Feinstein, has crafted a truly impressive working life, stretching back a good three decades, all focused on making sure the tunes from the Great American Songbook reach people all over. He has, basically, taken on the role of a guide, helping others find and love these musical creations. His influence, you see, stretches far and wide, touching hearts and minds with melodies that might otherwise fade away. He is, to be honest, a significant figure in keeping these musical traditions alive and well for everyone to enjoy.
We are going to explore the path Michael Feinstein has taken in his career, the ways he has made a difference, and, you know, get to know a bit about his most recent musical offering, an album called "Gershwin Country." It’s a chance to really appreciate how one person can, in a way, keep a whole lot of musical history fresh and exciting for today’s listeners. So, let's get into the details of this musician's life and contributions, and see what makes his work so special, pretty much.
Table of Contents
- Michael Feinstein - A Life in Music
- Who is Michael Feinstein?
- What Does Michael Feinstein Do for the Great American Songbook?
- Michael Feinstein's Public Presence and Accolades
- How Does Michael Feinstein Connect with Important Causes?
- Where Can You Experience Michael Feinstein's Work?
- The Gershwin Country Album and Its Special Ties
- The Ongoing Influence of Michael Feinstein
Michael Feinstein - A Life in Music
Michael Jay Feinstein, who came into the world on September 7, 1956, is, in some respects, a true musical person from America. He is a singer, someone who plays the piano, and a person who helps bring old music back to life. Born and brought up in Columbus, Ohio, he has, basically, spent his many years making sure that a certain kind of music, often called the Great American Songbook, stays alive and well for everyone to hear. His connection to this music is, you know, very deep, almost like he is part of its story. He has, apparently, made it his mission to share these wonderful sounds with as many people as possible, and that is a pretty big thing to do, really.
He is, you could say, a person who helps us understand these songs, and he is also someone who looks after them, like a careful keeper of musical treasures. He gathers and organizes the pieces that make up this special collection of music, ensuring that they are available for future generations to enjoy. It's almost like he is a historian of sound, preserving what is important. His work, you know, involves not just performing these songs, but also making sure their stories and backgrounds are known. This commitment to both the performance and the preservation of the Great American Songbook is, in a way, what makes Michael Feinstein's contribution so significant and lasting, definitely.
Who is Michael Feinstein?
Michael Jay Feinstein, born on September 7, 1956, in Columbus, Ohio, USA, is, at his core, an American singer and pianist. He has a special way of performing and keeping alive the songs from what is known as the Great American Songbook. This body of work, you see, includes many well-loved tunes from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, songs that have stood the test of time. He is, essentially, someone who interprets these pieces, giving them new life for today's audiences. But beyond just performing, he also acts as a kind of musical anthropologist and archivist, someone who studies and cares for this important musical repertoire, making sure its history is preserved, too, it's almost like a calling for him.
His background includes more than just music, as a matter of fact. Michael Feinstein has also served as a city council member and even as mayor for Santa Monica, which is a bit of an interesting fact about him. This shows, in a way, his involvement in community life beyond the stage. He is also known for some work as an actor and producer, with credits like an untitled project about George Gershwin, "Bright Lights, Big City" from 1988, and another called "Why." So, he has, basically, a range of experiences that go beyond just singing and playing the piano, showing he is a person with many different interests and talents, you know.
Here are some personal details about Michael Feinstein:
| Full Name | Michael Jay Feinstein |
| Date of Birth | September 7, 1956 |
| Place of Birth | Columbus, Ohio, USA |
| Main Occupations | Singer, Pianist, Music Revivalist, Archivist, Interpreter, Actor, Producer, Former City Councilmember, Former Mayor |
| Specialization | The Great American Songbook (vintage songs of the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s) |
What Does Michael Feinstein Do for the Great American Songbook?
Michael Feinstein is, basically, often called the "ambassador" of the American Songbook, and for good reason. He has, in a way, taken on the responsibility of being the primary keeper of this important musical collection since the early 1980s. His connection to this music goes back to his time as an assistant to Ira Gershwin, a very significant figure in American music. This close association gave him a unique perspective and, you know, a deep appreciation for the songs and their creators. He truly understands the heart of these tunes, and that is something special, really.
His work as an archivist means he carefully collects and preserves the pieces of this musical history, making sure that the songs, the sheet music, and the stories behind them are not lost. As an interpreter, he brings these songs to life, giving them a fresh voice while still honoring their original spirit. He is, essentially, a bridge between the past and the present, allowing new audiences to connect with these classic melodies. It's almost like he is a musical storyteller, sharing the beauty and meaning of each piece with a genuine warmth, you know, and that is a pretty big part of what he does, definitely.
Beyond his individual performances, Michael Feinstein has also been instrumental in creating places and organizations that support this music. He is, for example, the principal pops conductor for the Pasadena Symphony, helping to bring these popular and enduring songs to orchestral settings. More significantly, he is the person who started the Great American Songbook Foundation. This foundation, you see, works to celebrate and preserve these timeless tunes, making sure they are studied, performed, and appreciated for many years to come. So, he is, in a way, not just a performer but also a builder of institutions that keep this musical heritage alive, and that is a very important contribution, actually.
Michael Feinstein's Public Presence and Accolades
Over the years, Michael Feinstein has appeared in many different public settings, showing his talents to a wide range of people. He has been on television shows, in movies, and in documentaries, bringing his unique musical style to various audiences. These appearances have, in a way, helped spread the word about the Great American Songbook and his role in keeping it vibrant. He has, basically, become a familiar face and voice to many who appreciate classic American music, and that is something that takes a lot of effort, you know.
His contributions have not gone unnoticed. Michael Feinstein has received several awards and nominations for his musical work, which, you know, speaks to the quality and impact of what he does. For example, back in 1988, he was given a special award from the Drama Desk for his efforts in celebrating American musical art. These recognitions are, essentially, a testament to how much his dedication means to the world of music and performance. It's almost like a nod of appreciation from the wider community for his long-standing commitment to these cherished songs, pretty much.
How Does Michael Feinstein Connect with Important Causes?
Just recently, my very close friend, Michael Feinstein, spoke out about something that seemed like a prejudiced attack on the arts. He, basically, made a strong public statement, which, you know, showed his deep concern for fairness and acceptance in creative expression. This action highlights his personal beliefs and how he stands up for what he thinks is right. It is, in a way, a demonstration of his character beyond his musical talents, showing that he cares about more than just the notes and melodies, really.
The text tells us that Michael Feinstein is an ally of the LGBTQ+ community and a person who advocates for human rights. These roles are, essentially, very important, showing his commitment to supporting groups and causes that promote equality and fair treatment for all people. His actions and words in these areas, you see, reflect a broader sense of responsibility and care for the world around him. It's almost like he uses his public voice to help bring attention to matters of justice, which is a significant thing for someone with his platform to do, definitely.
Where Can You Experience Michael Feinstein's Work?
If you are looking to experience Michael Feinstein's musical presence, there are several places and ways to do so. He has connections with a number of venues that host his performances and events. These include places like Feinstein's at Hotel Carmichael, Feinstein's at The Nikko, and Feinstein's at Vitello's Pasadena, which are, you know, pretty well-known spots for live music. These locations often feature his performances, giving people a chance to hear him sing and play in person, which is a great experience, actually.
Beyond these specific venues, Michael Feinstein also has ties to larger organizations and tours. He is involved with the Pasadena Pops, which, you see, brings a certain kind of musical entertainment to audiences. He also works with The Center for the Performing Arts and has connections with The Library of Congress, which speaks to the serious nature of his archival work. And, of course, there is The Great American Songbook Foundation, which he founded, and which often organizes tours and events to spread awareness of this music. So, there are, essentially, many avenues through which you can connect with his work and enjoy the music he cherishes, pretty much.
The Gershwin Country Album and Its Special Ties
Craft Recordings, a company that puts out music, is very happy to announce Michael Feinstein's album called "Gershwin Country." This record is, in a way, a fresh take on some classic tunes, blending the world of George and Ira Gershwin's songs with a country music feel. It's an interesting combination that, you know, brings something new to familiar melodies. This album is, essentially, a testament to the versatility of the Great American Songbook and how its songs can be reinterpreted in different styles, which is a pretty cool thing to hear, really.
A truly special aspect of "Gershwin Country" is the close bond Michael Feinstein shared with the late Tony Bennett. Their friendship, you see, adds a very deep feeling to this musical tribute. The warm connection between them, their camaraderie, brings a sense of truth and emotional richness to every sound on the album. It’s almost like you can feel the history and respect they had for each other woven into the music. This collaboration, in a way, makes the album not just a collection of songs, but also a heartfelt acknowledgment of a significant friendship and shared love for music, definitely.
The Ongoing Influence of Michael Feinstein
Michael Feinstein has, for many years, been a central figure in keeping the spirit of the Great American Songbook alive and well. His career, spanning over three decades, has been dedicated to making sure these wonderful tunes reach people everywhere. He is, essentially, a musical guardian, someone who not only performs these songs with great care but also works to preserve their history for future generations. His influence, you see, extends from the concert stage to the archives, touching the lives of listeners and musicians alike, and that is a very important role, actually.
From his early days as Ira Gershwin's assistant to his current position as the founder of the Great American Songbook Foundation and a principal pops conductor, Michael Feinstein has, basically, built a working life around his passion for this music. His efforts to interpret, archive, and promote these vintage songs from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s have solidified his place as a leading authority and advocate. His recent album, "Gershwin Country," and his public stance on important issues, further show his broad impact and commitment to both art and community. He is, in a way, a person who truly embodies the spirit of these timeless songs, making sure they continue to resonate with people, you know, for a very long time to come.
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