Michael Sembello

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Michael Sembello (born April 17, 1954 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an Oscar-nominated American musician. He began his career as a professional musician by becoming a studio guitarist. The list of pop music personalities he worked with, or wrote for, includes Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, George Benson, Barbra Streisand, Stanley Clarke and Donna Summer.

He released his first solo album in 1983, and the song Maniac was selected for inclusion in the blockbuster movie Flashdance. This song went on to become the third highest grossing song from a soundtrack. His contribution to that soundtrack was rewarded with a Grammy in 1983 for Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special.

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Sembello has done considerable soundtrack work, including such movies as Cocoon, Gremlins and Independence Day.

His later career has been focused on Eastern music and spirituality. Sembello has recorded his vocals in six languages. He is continually releasing albums, and is planning to return to the eastern US to continue his recording career.