Michael Berkowitz (musician)
Michael Berkowitz (born February 23, 1949 in Indianapolis ) is an American drummer and conductor who revived the Gene Krupa Orchestra.
Live and act
Berkowitz appeared as a drummer in Indianapolis at the age of eleven. After studying music at Indiana University , he went on tour with Johnny Mathis , Andy Williams and Henry Mancini . At Mancini's suggestion, he moved to Los Angeles, where he appeared as a studio musician in numerous television programs and accompanied Gloria Estefan , Linda Ronstadt , Ringo Starr , Helen Reddy , Seals and Crofts and The Association . He worked a lot with Johnny Green and Nelson Riddle , for whom he eventually also conducted.
In 1980 he moved to New York, where he appeared on Broadway in musicals and shows such as Evita , Pacific Overtures, The Tap Dance Kid, Do Re Mi or Jerome Robbins' Broadway. He was also involved in albums such as A Sondheim Tribute , My Favorite Broadway , Anyone Can Whistle or An Evening With Betty Buckley . As a drummer he worked for Billy Joel , Sting , Elton John and Bette Midler . He also conducted numerous orchestras such as the Boston Pops, The London Symphony, The Cincinnati Pops and recorded with Plácido Domingo . Since 2007 he has been the musical director of Liza Minnelli .
Since 2003 he has directed the Gene Krupa Orchestra, which he founded again.
Discographic notes
- Michael Berkowitz and the Gene Krupa Orchestra Thinking of Gene (2007)
- A Song for Every Station (2008)
Web links
- Web presence
- Interview (2004)
- Michael Berkowitz at Allmusic (English)
Individual evidence
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Berkowitz, Michael |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American drummer and conductor |
| DATE OF BIRTH | February 23, 1949 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Indianapolis |