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EnglishWho Is Michael Feinstein?
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Michael Feinstein is an American singer, pianist, educator, and archivist known as the "Ambassador of the Great American Songbook." He began his career in the early 1980s as an assistant to lyricist Ira Gershwin, and has since built a decades-long career performing, recording, and preserving American popular song. If you're looking for a quick orientation to who he is and what he does, the short answer is: a performer with five Grammy nominations and an Emmy nomination, a founder of a preservation foundation, and a regular presence at major venues worldwide.
Career at a Glance
Feinstein has spent more than three decades bringing the music of the Great American Songbook to audiences. His work spans several roles:
- Recording artist — His recordings have earned him five Grammy Award nominations.
- Broadcaster — He has produced Emmy-nominated PBS television specials and an acclaimed NPR series.
- Live performer — He has performed at venues including The White House, Buckingham Palace, the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, and the Sydney Opera House.
- Educator and archivist — These roles, according to his biography, define him as one of the most important musical forces of his time.
The Ira Gershwin Connection
Feinstein's start as Ira Gershwin's assistant in the early 1980s is central to his identity. That position gave him direct access to the Gershwin legacy and shaped his lifelong focus on the American Songbook — the body of popular American standards from the early-to-mid 20th century. His website describes him as having been "the keeper of the American Songbook since the early 1980's."
The Great American Songbook Foundation
In 2007, Feinstein founded the Great American Songbook Foundation. Its stated mission is to celebrate the art form and preserve it through:
- Educational programs
- Master Classes
- The annual High School Songbook Academy
The Songbook Academy is a summer intensive open to students from across the country. According to the site, its graduates have gone on to record acclaimed albums and appear on television programs such as NBC's "America's Got Talent."
Feinstein also serves on the Library of Congress' National Recording Preservation Board, which works to ensure the survival, conservation, and public availability of America's sound recordings.
Recent Projects
His website highlights several current and recent works:
| Project | Details |
|---|---|
| Gershwin Country | A new album reimagining George and Ira Gershwin's classic songs through a country music lens, executive produced by Liza Minnelli. Features Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, Brad Paisley, and Rosanne Cash. Available on CD and digital. |
| Kids, Wait Till You Hear This | A #1 New York Times best seller by Liza Minnelli, as told to Michael Feinstein. |
| Michael Feinstein Wine | Presented by Brutocao Cellars. |
A portion of the proceeds from Gershwin Country benefits MusiCares, a partner of the Recording Academy that provides health and human services to the music community, including physical and mental health support, addiction recovery, preventative clinics, emergency assistance, and disaster relief.
What You'll Find on michaelfeinstein.com
The site functions as the official hub for Feinstein's work and includes sections for:
- News — announcements about albums and projects
- Tour — upcoming show dates
- Bio — his full career biography
- Multimedia — audio and video content
- Contact — booking or inquiry information
If you want to know who Michael Feinstein is, the site's own framing is the clearest summary: a performer, educator, and archivist dedicated to keeping the Great American Songbook alive, with a career built from a formative apprenticeship with Ira Gershwin into decades of recordings, concerts, and preservation work.