Trivia

Has a talent for finding "lost," older songs, and breathing new life into them, thereby preserving great music for future generations.

Was introduced to Ira Gershwin through Oscar Levant's widow, June. Michael revered Ira and George Gershwin, and he had an encyclopedic knowledge of the pair's work. Michael recounted many stories he knew about the two during his first meeting with Ira, and he was so impressed with the young man that he made him his assistant for 6 years.

Started playing piano by ear at age 5. Took piano lessons for a couple of months until his teacher became angered that he wasn't reading the music she gave him to play. Since Michael's mother saw no problem with her son's method, she took him out of lessons and allowed him to enjoy music his own way.

Owns his own nightclub in Manhattan, Feinstein's at the Regency, which is the premier showcase for cabaret performers. Feinstein himself plays a sold-out show there during the holidays every year.

Started playing in piano bars right out of high school to support himself

In 1988, his one-man Broadway show called "Isn't It Romantic: Michael Feinstein in Concert" made him famous.

Known to many as the "Ambassador of the Great American Songbook." His repertoire as a singer/pianist includes songs by many great American songwriters, such as George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Johnny Mercer, Duke Ellington and Harry Warren.

Father, Edward, used to be a singer and also a sales executive for the Sara Lee Corporation. Mother, Maizie, tap dances semi-professionally.

Member of the Library of Congress National Recording Preservation Board

Cousin of Alan Barinholtz, Ike Barinholtz, Jon Barinholtz.

Grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and moved to LA when he was 19 (where he met Ira Gershwin)