Michael Cavanaugh: Book Michael Cavanaugh for corporate event

Michael Cavanaugh, for as long as he can remember, has been singing. Growing up outside Cleveland, Ohio, Michael recalls being shy about singing before an audience. As young as four years of age, he would shut himself away in the bathroom and belt out songs when he thought no one could hear him. But his Mom heard every note and realized that her son had a special gift. With her loving encouragement, Michael was convinced to take his act out of the bathroom. His first “public” singing experiences were entertaining at family gatherings.

Michael is the youngest of four boys. His older brothers were all musical and played instruments. Having so much music in the house inspired Michael to want to learn to play an instrument of his own. His earliest inclination was to take up the drums, but his parent’s vetoed the idea citing the obvious noise factor. They did, however, provide an alternative. When he was 7, his parents bought a piano and Michael’s musical destiny began to unfold. It was love at first sight. He couldn’t keep his hands off the piano. Although he had yet to have any formal musical training, he was soon playing popular songs by ear and making up melodies of his own. Michaels’ parents wisely decided it was time for their youngest son to have piano lessons. A few months later, Michael was told by his piano teacher that he had perfect pitch, a gift elusive to many of the world’s most talented musicians.

His performing career began early. By the time Michael was 10, he had already formed his first band. They performed “Jumping Jack Flash” on stage at the 5th Grade talent show and from that moment on, Michael was hooked. His professional career began at age 12 when he joined a band started by his older brother, Tom, called “The Difference.” Throughout Michael’s teenage years, The Difference played local nightclubs in the Cleveland area. As Michael was well under age, his parents had to be there every night. By the time he was 16, he had already gained a reputation as a local phenomenon.

When Michael was 18 he met the love of his life Karin. After dating for a few years, Michael and Karin married in 1993. In 1994, Michael was offered a job in Orlando, Florida at a piano bar called Blazing Pianos. It was an opportunity for Michael to make a fulltime living doing what he loved best and he and Karin packed up and made the move to Florida. In addition to Michael’s solo gig, he performed in a unique 3-piece piano group called “Jammin Pianos.” They performed at events for the PGA, Senior PGA, and NASCAR as well as many others. During this period, Michael also concentrated on his own songwriting and released his first CD of original songs. All in all Florida turned out to be a great time for Michael. His constant performing helped him develop killer chops and an extensive repertoire. It was also where he and Karin celebrated the birth of their son, Matthew, born on July 20 1996.

In January 1999, Michael received an offer he couldn’t refuse – a job in Las Vegas, performing nightly at the famed “New York New York” Hotel and Casino. Michael performed 3 sets a night and his repertoire got stronger and stronger, but most importantly, Michael loved performing in the intimate atmosphere of the club.

Michael was enjoying great success in Las Vegas, but knew that there was still more he wanted to accomplish. Billy Joel came to see Michael perform at New York, New York and, after an hour of listening, Billy was inspired to join him on stage for a couple of songs. Michael describes this as the highlight of his musical life.

Things really started to move quickly after that. Michael was introduced to Tommy Byrnes, Billy Joel’s longtime musical director and guitar player for 13 years. Tommy was in the process of assembling the band for a new musical based on the songs of Billy Joel and was looking for a musician to front the band. After hearing Michael, Tommy was sure he had the right guy and flew Michael to New York to audition. The audition went very well and Michael was offered the musical lead in what later became the smash Broadway hit, “Movin' Out.” Michael has received wonderful reviews for his work.

Somehow, through all the major life and career changes, Michael still finds time to work on his original material and recently recorded some of his original songs with Grammy Award winning producer, Phil Ramone..