Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

March 24, 1941 in Chicago, IL

Death

:

July 9, 2015 in Rancho Mirage, CA

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Michael Masser was an American composer and producer who was born on March 24, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois. He was raised in a musical family, and his father was a jazz musician. Masser began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He attended the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and later transferred to the Berklee College of Music in Boston. After graduating from Berklee, Masser moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. He began working as a session musician and songwriter, and his first big break came when he co-wrote the hit song "Touch Me in the Morning" for Diana Ross in 1973. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned Masser his first Grammy nomination. Masser went on to write and produce many more hit songs for Diana Ross, including "Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)" and "It's My Turn." He also worked with other artists such as Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, and Gladys Knight. In addition to his work as a songwriter and producer, Masser also composed classical music. His most famous work in this genre is the "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," which was premiered by the London Symphony Orchestra in 1982. The concerto was later recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Masser himself playing the piano. Masser's classical music compositions were heavily influenced by his background in jazz and popular music. He often incorporated elements of these genres into his classical works, creating a unique and distinctive sound. One of Masser's most notable classical compositions is "The Greatest Love of All," which was originally written for the 1977 Muhammad Ali biopic "The Greatest." The song was later recorded by Whitney Houston and became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's success helped to cement Masser's reputation as one of the most talented composers of his generation. Masser continued to work in the music industry throughout the 1980s and 1990s, producing hit songs for artists such as Patti LaBelle and James Ingram. He also continued to compose classical music, and his works were performed by orchestras around the world. Sadly, Michael Masser passed away on July 9, 2015, at the age of 74. However, his legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be celebrated and performed by musicians and fans alike. In conclusion, Michael Masser was a talented and versatile composer who made significant contributions to both popular and classical music. His ability to blend different genres and styles created a unique sound that was both innovative and timeless. His work will continue to inspire and influence musicians for generations to come.

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