Michael Feinstein

Michael Feinstein, known as "America's Ambassador of Song," is a multi-platinum-selling entertainer who has garnered two Emmy nominations and five Grammy Award nominations throughout his career. He is celebrated for his interpretations of American standards, particularly the works of Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and Jerome Kern. Feinstein's extensive performances, which exceed 200 shows annually, have seen him grace stages at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and the Hollywood Bowl, as well as significant events at the White House and Buckingham Palace.

Beyond his role as a performer, Feinstein is deeply committed to the preservation and celebration of America's musical heritage. In 2007, he established the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative, which is devoted to the preservation of this genre through educational programs, master classes, and an annual high school vocal academy and competition that provides scholarships and awards. He also contributes to the conservation and accessibility of America’s sound recording legacy through his involvement with the Library of Congress’ National Recording Preservation Board.

Feinstein's influence also extends to television and film. He has composed music for various projects and his interpretations of pop standards have enhanced several television shows including "Caroline in the City" and "Cybil," along with multiple PBS specials. His contributions to music also include numerous albums such as "Change Of Heart: The Songs of Andre Previn," released in collaboration with Andre Previn in 2013, and "The Sinatra Project," which earned him a Grammy nomination in 2009. Additionally, Feinstein has shared his insights and celebrated music's greats on his public radio program "Song Travels."

In his capacity as Artistic Director of the Palladium Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana, Feinstein oversees a venue that not only hosts an array of live performances and international festivals but also houses a museum for his rare memorabilia and manuscripts. His efforts in music education and preservation are complemented by his role as director of the Jazz and Popular Song Series at New York’s Jazz at Lincoln Center, a position he has held since 2010.

Feinstein's career began after his acquaintance with Ira Gershwin in 1977, leading to a six-year stint as Gershwin's assistant, during which he gained invaluable access to a trove of unpublished Gershwin songs. His early experiences have significantly shaped his musical journey, allowing him to emerge as a distinguished performer, composer, and arranger, dedicated to exploring and honoring the legacies of iconic American composers and songwriters.