Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter, and producer Michael Sembello gained widespread acclaim for co-writing and performing the international smash hit ‘Maniac,’ which soared to number one in the United States in 1983 as a pivotal track on the multi-platinum Flashdance film soundtrack. The soundtrack subsequently earned a Grammy Award in 1984 for Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special. Prior to his solo breakthrough, Sembello established himself as a versatile session musician, beginning at age 17 with legendary artist Stevie Wonder. He contributed electric and acoustic guitar to iconic albums including Fulfillingness’ First Finale and Songs in the Key of Life in the 1970s, where he was credited as lead and rhythm guitarist on most tracks and shared songwriting credit with Wonder for ‘Saturn’ in 1976.

Sembello’s prowess as a songwriter extends to numerous chart successes for other artists. He penned ‘Mirror Mirror,’ a significant hit for Diana Ross in 1981, which reached number two on the soul singles chart and number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. He also composed ‘Carousel,’ famously recorded by Michael Jackson for his landmark 1982 album Thriller. While initially replaced, the track was later included on Thriller 25 and released as part of The Ultimate Fan Extras Collection in 2013.

Continuing to explore new musical avenues, Sembello formed the trio The Bossa Nova Hotel in 2009 alongside Bruce Gaitsch and Janey Clewer. The group subsequently released their album Moon Island on EMI Japan that same year, offering American pop songs infused with a Brazilian influence. Michael Sembello’s enduring career is marked by his unique ability to blend genres, achieve commercial success, and collaborate with some of music’s most iconic figures, solidifying his reputation as a highly sought-after and versatile talent across songwriting, guitar, and production.