Michael Cavanaugh is the new voice of the American Rock & Roll Songbook

Michael Cavanaugh is a charismatic performer and musician best known for his lead vocals and piano in the Broadway hit Movin’ Out. Handpicked by Billy Joel himself, Michael brought a powerful energy that echoed the style of the Piano Man. He starred in the show for over three years, performing more than 1,200 times. His performance earned widespread acclaim, culminating in Grammy and Tony nominations in 2003.

Michael’s musical journey began at age seven when his parents brought home their first piano. He quickly took to the instrument, and by adulthood, he had landed his first steady gig at Blazing Pianos, a piano bar in Orlando, Florida.

Then, everything changed in January 1999. Michael was offered a spot at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. That opportunity turned into a career-defining moment. In February 2001, Billy Joel happened to be in the audience. After just two songs, Joel jumped on stage—and knew he’d found the right man for his Broadway vision.

Soon after, Michael moved to New York City. There, he worked with Billy Joel and choreographer Twyla Tharp to shape Movin’ Out. In the starring role, Michael earned both Tony and Grammy nominations, solidifying his place in musical theater history.

Movin’ On

With the close of Movin’ Out at the end of 2005, Michael began touring in his own right, creating a show that reinterprets the modern pop/rock songbook. Michael continues to perform worldwide for company and charity events as well as sporting events including many PGA tour events, the SuperBowl, and the Indy 500.  His interpretation of the modern rock/pop songbook led to Billboard calling him “The New Voice of the American Rock and Roll Songbook,” and he was recognized by Reuters as Entertainer of the Year for the private events market.

Symphonic Success and Touring Triumphs

Symphony orchestras quickly took notice of Michael Cavanaugh’s talent and crowd appeal. In April 2008, he accepted his first orchestral booking—Michael Cavanaugh: The Songs of Billy Joel and More—with the Indianapolis Symphony. Just six months later, in October 2008, he signed with Warner/ADA to release his debut CD, In Color.

Michael kept the momentum going. In June 2010, he launched his second symphony show, The Songs of Elton John and More, as part of the Generations of Rock series. Then, in 2012, he debuted a third production: Singers and Songwriters, featuring the music of Paul Simon, Neil Diamond, and James Taylor. By 2015, he introduced his fourth symphony show, Rockin’ Christmas with the Pops.

Today, Michael continues to tour with all four symphony shows. He also performs regularly with his band at performing arts centers and other public venues.

In April 2017, he released his second commercial album, The Way I Hear It. It debuted at #17 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.

Most recently, Michael earned a spot on POLLSTAR’s Live75—the list of the top 75 active touring acts in the U.S.