Biography
Celebrity musical director, musician, composer, producer, arranger, conductor, activist, humanitarian.. Michael Bearden’s talents are in demand!
He has performed and/or recorded with some of popular musics giants: Sting, Carlos Santana, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie, Chaka Kahn, Patti Austin, James Ingrahm, Patti Labelle, George Benson,Yossou NDour, Boz Scaggs, Lenny Kravitz, Luther Vandross, Issac Hayes, Aaron Neville, Edie Brickell. Also, legends Prince, Nancy Wilson, Queen, Stevie Wonder, Liza Minelli, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Sergio Mendes, and musical director for many including Madonna, Rod Stewart and the greatest ever, Michael Jackson!
His diverse musical skills have also been sought by newer generation artists including: Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Destinys Child, Brandy, India Arie, Fantasia, Ashanti, John Mayer, Faith Evans, Brian McKnight, Mary J. Blige, Da Brat, Mya, Joss Stone, Usher, Ciara, Chrisette Michelle, Keisha Cole, Angie Stone and musical director for Jennifer Lopez , Anastacia, D'Angelo, and Lady Gaga among others.
He has also written, produced, and performed for such notable jazz artists as: Rachelle Ferrell, Herbie Mann, Everette Harp, Will Downing, Nelson Rangell, Marion Meadows, Regina Carter, Noel Pointer, Special EFX, Pieces Of A Dream, Jonathan Butler, Quincy Jones and collaborated on Herbie Hancock's grammy nominated album Possibilities.
An accomplished composer, Michael's feature film scores include Drop Squad produced by Spike Lee (starring Eriq Lasalle and Ving Rhames) and the indie film The Visit directed by Jordan Walker Pearlman (starring Rae Dawn Chong and Billy Dee Williams). Michael scored two debut indie features, The Arrangement for filmmaker H.H.Cooper and One Week for director Carl Seaton. In addition, Michael penned the score to Dense, the directorial debut feature film for Soul Foods Vanessa Williams. Currently, he scored the feature Constellation (starring Gabrielle Union,Leslie Ann Warren and Billy Dee Williams) as well as the feature film/doc America The Beautiful and Sundance film/doc American Blackout, as well as the dark comedy "Redrum" starring Jill Marie Jones. He also scored "This Is It", the film about Michael Jackson's final tour. He used an 80+ piece orchestra at the famed Beatles studio Abbey Road in London.
Michael held the principal pianist/keyboard position on two Cosby television show bands. He was frequently contracted by bandleader Paul Shaffer (Late Show with David Letterman) as the lead substitute for the CBS broadcast. Michael has also performed as a pianist and/or conductor on countless major television specials, talk shows and award shows. Including, co- musical director and conductor for the 64th annula Prime Time Emmy Awards. He also served as principal keyboardist for John Singelton's Four Brothers, Shaft, Baby Boy. Michael is principal keyboardist for the Kennedy Center Honors and Christmas In Washington telecasts annualy! And served as musical director/producer for Lopez Tonight on TBS nightly. He also musically helmed the upcoming 2013 season of the CW network show Oh Sit!
Michael was principal keyboardist on Obama’s inauguration concert at the Lincoln Memorial. And, musical director for the 2013 President's Inaugural Staffers Ball featuring Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett.
Michael is now serving his first term on the Board Of Trustees of The Recording Academy LA Chapter.
At the United Nations as Global Goodwill Ambassador.
Michael is Musical Director, Supervisor, Composer and Associate Producer of the film "This Is It" about Michael Jackson's final days.
