Michael Omartian

Last updated

Michael Omartian
Born (1945-11-26) November 26, 1945 (age 78)
Origin Evanston, Illinois, U.S.
Genres Contemporary Christian, pop, rock, R&B
Occupation(s) Composer, musician, record producer
Instrument(s)Keyboards, drums, vocal
Years active1970–present
Website michaelomartian.com

Michael Omartian (born November 26, 1945) is an American singer-songwriter, arranger, keyboardist, and music producer of Armenian ancestry. He produced number-one records in three consecutive decades. He has earned 11 Grammy Awards nominations and won three. He spent five years on the A&R staff of ABC/Dunhill Records as a producer, artist, and arranger; then was hired by Warner Bros. Records as an in-house producer and A&R staff member. Omartian moved from Los Angeles to Nashville in 1993, where he served on the Board of Governors of the Recording Academy, and has helped to shape the curriculum for the first master's degree program in the field of Music Business at Belmont University.

Contents

Omartian has produced albums for many artists, including Clint Black, Michael Bolton, Debby Boone, Steve Camp, Peter Cetera, Christopher Cross, Joe "Bean" Esposito, Amy Grant, Benny Hester, Whitney Houston, The Imperials, The Jacksons, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Cliff Richard, Steely Dan, Rod Stewart, Donna Summer, Wayne Watson, and Trisha Yearwood.

Life and career

Omartian was born in Evanston, Illinois, of Armenian descent. [1]

In the late 1960s, Omartian helped launch Campus Crusade for Christ's music outreach group The New Folk, arranging much of the music and helping to train the singers.

He was a founding member of the 1970s disco-funk band Rhythm Heritage. He played as a session musician for artists including Koinonia, Steely Dan, The Four Tops, Johnny Rivers, Seals and Crofts, Al Jarreau, and Loggins & Messina. [2] [3] [4] In 1973, Omartian arranged and played accordion on Billy Joel's song "Piano Man". [5]

Omartian has recorded a number of highly polished contemporary Christian music albums under his own name, including White Horse, Mainstream, Adam Again, and Conversations (an instrumental album). Virtually all his solo albums are now out of print. Omartian has also produced several Christian albums for others, most notably The Imperials' award-winning albums One More Song for You (1979) and Priority (1980).

In 1980, thanks to Christopher Cross' eponymous debut album, Omartian was nominated for four Grammy Awards, including Producer of the Year, and won three, for Record of the Year ("Sailing"), Album of the Year (Christopher Cross) and Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist ("Sailing"). [6] He received a fifth nomination that year for Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational, for his own album, The Builder, written and performed with his wife, Stormie. [7]

In 1985, Omartian was arranger and a keyboard player for the No. 1 hit "We Are the World" by a supergroup of popular musicians billed as USA for Africa. [8]

In 2003, Omartian scored an audio book rendition of the biblical gospels, called Gospels Come to Life. The audio Bible was read by fellow CCM writer/musician Michael W. Smith, based on musical ideas by Smith. The Spanish-language version of this audio Bible was narrated by CCM artist Jaci Velasquez.

Toward the end of 2006, Omartian contributed to an album with Annie Herring (of 2nd Chapter of Acts) called One on One; he plays piano as the solo instrument throughout with Herring providing vocals. [9] One on One was his second collaboration with Herring, the first being the 1983 album Together Live , a collaborative, in-concert effort with Herring's family trio, 2nd Chapter of Acts, and Omartian's wife Stormie. The live double-LP album was recorded in 1982 at The Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California. The album was also released in video format. [10]

Omartian produced number-one records in three separate decades: the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. [11] He was nominated for Producer of the Year in 1980, 1984, and 1986. [12] In 1991, he was nominated for Album of the Year for Heart in Motion by Amy Grant. [12] In 1995, he was nominated for Country Song of the Year for "When Love Finds You," with Vince Gill, and for Gospel Album of the Year for The Light Inside, with Gary Chapman. [12] In 1994, Omartian produced One Voice, an album for the Summer Olympic Games. [13] His song "Atlanta Reel" was used as the theme for the swimming events. [13]

In early 2024, Omartian did an hour plus long interview with Rick Beato where he spoke about his time with Steely Dan, Christopher Cross and others along with his early days and influences which was made available on Beato's You Tube channel.

Discography

Awards

Grammy Awards In 1980, he was nominated for ten Grammy Awards, three of which he won for producing and arranging on Christopher Cross' debut album:

GMA Dove Awards

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christopher Cross</span> American singer-songwriter

Christopher Cross is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist from San Antonio, Texas. He won five Grammy Awards for his eponymous debut album released in 1979. The singles "Sailing" (1980), and "Arthur's Theme " peaked at number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. "Sailing" earned three Grammys in 1980, while "Arthur's Theme" won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 1980.

<i>Christopher Cross</i> (album) 1979 studio album by Christopher Cross

Christopher Cross is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Christopher Cross. It was released on December 20, 1979, by Warner Bros. Records. Produced by Michael Omartian and recorded in mid-1979, the album was one of the first in popular music to be digitally recorded, utilizing the 3M Digital Recording System.

The 23rd Annual Grammy Awards were held on February 25, 1981, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City and were broadcast live on American television. They recognized accomplishments by musicians from the year 1980.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Paich</span> American musician

David Frank Paich is an American keyboardist, singer, and songwriter, best known as the co-founder, principal songwriter, keyboardist, and secondary vocalist of the rock band Toto since 1977. He wrote or co-wrote much of Toto's original material, including the band's three most popular songs: "Hold the Line", "Rosanna", and "Africa". With Toto, Paich has contributed to 17 albums and sold over 40 million records. He and guitarist and singer Steve Lukather are the only members to appear on every studio album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Donald Fagen</span> American musician

Donald Jay Fagen is an American musician who was the co-founder, lead singer, co-songwriter, and keyboardist of the band Steely Dan, formed in the early 1970s with musical partner Walter Becker. In addition to his work with Steely Dan, Fagen has released four solo albums, beginning with The Nightfly in 1982, which was nominated for seven Grammys.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2nd Chapter of Acts</span> American Christian musical group

The 2nd Chapter of Acts was a Jesus music and early contemporary Christian music group composed of sisters Annie Herring and Nelly Greisen and brother Matthew Ward. They began performing in 1972 and enjoyed their period of greatest success during the 1970s. The group disbanded in 1988.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael McDonald (musician)</span> American musician, singer, and keyboardist

Michael H. McDonald is an American singer, keyboardist and songwriter known for his distinctive, soulful voice and as a member of Steely Dan (1973–1974), and the Doobie Brothers. McDonald wrote and sang several hit singles with the Doobie Brothers, including "What a Fool Believes", "Minute by Minute", and "Takin' It to the Streets." McDonald has also performed as a prominent backing vocalist on numerous recordings by artists including Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, and Kenny Loggins.

Gary Katz is an American record producer, best known for his work on albums by Steely Dan. Katz has also produced numerous other recording artists and assisted in the discovery and signing of a number of subsequently successful acts. He has four Grammy nominations.

<i>She Works Hard for the Money</i> (album) 1983 studio album by Donna Summer

She Works Hard for the Money is the eleventh studio album by American singer Donna Summer, released on June 13, 1983, by Mercury Records. It was her most successful studio album of the decade, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and its title track became one of the biggest hits of her career and her biggest hit of the decade, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sailing (Christopher Cross song)</span> 1979 song by Christopher Cross

"Sailing" is a 1979 soft rock song written and recorded by American artist Christopher Cross. It was released in June 1980 as the second single from his debut album Christopher Cross (1979), which was already certified Gold by this time. The song was a success in the United States, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on August 30, 1980, where it stayed for one week. The song also won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Arrangement of the Year, and helped Cross win the Best New Artist award. VH1 named "Sailing" the most "softsational soft rock" song of all time.

<i>White Horse</i> (album) 1974 studio album by Michael Omartian

White Horse is the title of the first solo album by Michael Omartian, released originally in 1974, on Dunhill Records and subsequently re-released on Myrrh Records as both a single album and as a compilation of White Horse and Adam Again. Integrating elements of funk, gospel, and progressive rock, White Horse is considered by some critics of contemporary Christian rock music, including Marty Phillips of Jesus Rock Legends (jrocklegends.wordpress.com), to be one of the most influential and revered albums of the genre.

Stormie Omartian is an American Christian author. She is married to Michael Omartian, with whom she recorded five musical albums before she launched her writing career.

Throughout the history of the Grammy Awards, many significant records have been set. This page only includes the competitive awards which have been won by various artists. This does not include the various special awards that are presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences such as Lifetime Achievement Awards, Trustees Awards, Technical Awards or Legend Awards. The page however does include other non-performance related Grammys that may have been presented to the artist(s).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never Be the Same (Christopher Cross song)</span> 1980 single by Christopher Cross

"Never Be the Same" is the title of the third single by singer-songwriter Christopher Cross, released from his debut Grammy Award-winning album Christopher Cross. It was the singer's third consecutive single to reach the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it peaked at No. 15 in 1980. The song was a No. 1 hit on the adult contemporary chart, remaining there for two weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christopher Stevens (musician)</span> Musical artist

Christopher Edmund Stevens is an American record producer, mix-engineer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Paige Omartian is an American Christian rock singer-songwriter, speaker, and author. She is signed to Whiplash Records and has released one album, titled Wake Up, under that label. Armstrong is known for her feature on a Bath & Body Works holiday compilation album sponsored by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Armstrong hosted iShine KNECT, a Christian tween show on TBN during its first two seasons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Omartian discography</span>

Michael Omartian, American musician, keyboardist, and music producer has released 4 solo studio albums, 9 collaboration albums, 4 promotional singles, 2 EPs, and 1 compilation albums. He has sold over 350 million albums over the span of his career whether it be through being a solo artist, producer, or anything of the like.

<i>One More Song for You</i> 1979 studio album by The Imperials

One More Song for You is the 26th studio album by the Christian music group The Imperials, released in late 1979 on DaySpring Records. It was the first of two albums that the group collaborated with well-known musician/producer Michael Omartian, moving them to a more contemporary pop sound, with the second being their next album Priority (1980). "I'm Forgiven" went to number one on the Christian radio charts and stayed there for 13 weeks. The Imperials were winners at the 12th GMA Dove Awards winning three for Group of the Year, Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year with lead singer Russ Taff winning Male Vocalist of the Year. One More Song for You was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational at the 23rd Grammy Awards. The album reached number one on the Billboard Inspirational Albums chart. CCM Magazine has ranked One More Song for You at number 75 on their 2001 book The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music.

<i>Priority</i> (Imperials album) 1980 studio album by The Imperials

Priority is the 27th studio album by the Christian music group The Imperials, released in late 1980 on DaySpring Records. It is the second album that the group has collaborated with well-known musician/producer Michael Omartian, their first being their previous album One More Song for You (1979). In 1982, the Imperials won their fourth and, to date, final Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational at the 24th Grammy Awards and at the 13th GMA Dove Awards, they were named Group of the Year and Priority was named Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. Lead singer Russ Taff won his second Dove Award for Male Vocalist of the Year, winning back-to-back. Prior to the award ceremonies, Taff had left the group in 1981 to begin his solo career and started work on his debut album Walls of Glass (1983) before being replaced by Paul Smith as the new lead singer. Priority gave the Imperials their second number-one album on Billboard magazine's Top Inspirational Albums chart.

<i>Free the Fire</i> 1988 studio album by The Imperials

Free the Fire is the 33rd studio album by Christian music vocal group The Imperials released in 1988. This is their third and final album on the Myrrh label and after more than 10 years, their final album overall on Word Records. The Imperials would switch over to Star Song Records for their next album Love's Still Changing Hearts (1990). It is also the last time for the lineup of Jimmie Lee Sloas, Ron Hemby, David Will and Armond Morales from their previous album This Year's Model (1987) as Sloas left the group in 1989 to focus more behind the scenes as a bass guitar player, producer and songwriter and would go on to form the Christian Rock band Dogs of Peace with former Whiteheart guitarist and vocalist Gordon Kennedy. It was a reunion of sorts as the Imperials reunited with Bill Schnee who produced their 1982 album Stand by the Power and the husband and wife team of Michael and Stormie Omartian with music and lyrics on the title song. Baritone singer David Will sings lead on the Cliff Richard track "Better Than I Know Myself" from Richard's 1981 album Wired for Sound. Free the Fire debuted and peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Top Inspirational Albums chart.

References

  1. ↑ Kaufman, Gil (April 22, 2009). "Kris Allen's 'She Works Hard For The Money': The Story Behind The Cover – Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV.com. Retrieved July 22, 2012.
  2. ↑ Artist Biography by Jason Ankeny (November 26, 1945). "Michael Omartian | Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  3. ↑ "53. Adam Again – Michael Omartian | CCM's 500 Best Albums Of All Time". Ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com. June 7, 2011. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Michael Omartian". Ccmclassic.com. November 26, 1945. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Billy Joel, "Piano Man," credits". AllMusic. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  6. 1 2 "23rd Annual Grammy Awards". www.grammy.com. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  7. ↑ Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. September 20, 1980.
  8. ↑ "Performers From USA For Africa's "We Are The World"". In The 80s. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  9. ↑ Herring, Buck. "One on One (Annie's newest release 2006)". Archived from the original on August 7, 2011. Retrieved June 4, 2010.
  10. ↑ "2nd Chapter Of Acts And Michael And Stormie Omartian – Together Live". Discogs]. November 13, 1983. Retrieved June 4, 2010.
  11. ↑ "Michael Omartian | Yamaha Artists". Yamaha.com. November 26, 1945. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  12. 1 2 3 "Artist Michael Omartian". grammy.com. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
  13. 1 2 "Michael Omartian | Yamaha Artists". Yamaha.com. June 15, 2019. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
  14. ↑ Ankeny, Jason. "Biography: Michael Omartian". AllMusic . Retrieved June 2, 2010.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.