Birth

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August 18, 1955 in Cleveland, OH

 

Shelly Berg is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music as a pianist, composer, arranger, and educator. Born on July 4, 1955, in Cleveland, Ohio, Berg grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Berg started playing the piano at the age of six and showed exceptional talent from an early age. Berg's musical education began at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with renowned pianist Sergei Babayan. He later attended the University of Houston, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance. Berg continued his studies at the University of Southern California, where he earned a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies. Berg's career as a musician began in the 1980s when he started performing with jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard, and Stanley Turrentine. He also worked as a studio musician, recording with artists such as Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Dionne Warwick. In addition to his work as a performer, Berg is also an accomplished composer and arranger. He has written music for films, television, and commercials, and his compositions have been performed by orchestras around the world. Berg's arrangements have been recorded by artists such as Gloria Estefan, Arturo Sandoval, and Take 6. Berg's career reached new heights in the 1990s when he became the musical director for jazz singer Nancy Wilson. He worked with Wilson for over a decade, arranging and conducting her performances around the world. Berg also served as the musical director for the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, where he worked with young musicians and helped to develop their talents. Berg's reputation as a pianist and composer continued to grow in the 2000s. He released several albums as a solo artist, including "Blackbird," "The Nearness of You," and "The Will to Swing." Berg's albums received critical acclaim and earned him several awards, including a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Album. Berg's work as an educator is also noteworthy. He has served as the Dean of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami since 2007. Under his leadership, the school has become one of the top music schools in the country, with a focus on jazz and classical music. Berg has also taught at the University of Southern California and the University of Houston. Berg's contributions to the world of music have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Jazz Educator of the Year award from the Los Angeles Jazz Society and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Federation of Musicians. Berg was also inducted into the Hammond Organ Hall of Fame in 2013. In conclusion, Shelly Berg is a highly accomplished classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music as a pianist, composer, arranger, and educator. His talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous awards and accolades, and his work has inspired countless musicians around the world. Berg's legacy as a musician and educator will continue to influence the world of music for generations to come.

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