Peter Zizzo
| Peter Zizzo | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Peter Eric Zizzo |
| Born | February 22, 1966 |
| Origin | New York, NY, U.S. |
| Genres | Pop, rock |
| Occupation(s) | producer, songwriter, musician |
| Years active | 1988–present |
| Labels | Universal Music Publishing |
Peter Eric Zizzo (born February 22, 1966) is an American music producer, musician and songwriter. Zizzo has written hits for artists such as Celine Dion,[1] Jennifer Lopez, Marit Larsen, O.A.R, Jason Mraz, Donna Summer, Diana Ross, M2M, Sir Cliff Richard, Clay Aiken, Howie Day, Kate Voegele and Jillette Johnson. He has been considered instrumental in developing the careers of artists Avril Lavigne, Vanessa Carlton[2] in the US, and Pixie Lott in the UK.
Early life
Born in New York to Alicia Zizzo, Peter Zizzo graduated with a bachelor's degree in English from Tufts University where he was in Alpha Epsilon Pi. He appeared as the title character's father in the Tufts production of Antigone. Zizzo wrote the song "March", recorded by The Weather Girls, and wrote and performed additional songs, including "Faithful," "I Will Forgive You". He also appeared in a commercial for Tony Robbins Personal Power. Zizzo found his initial success working with Ric Wake on Celine Dion records. While working with Wake, he met Andy Marvel.
Entrepreneurial ventures
After his time working with Wake, Zizzo founded Big Much Productions and a partnered with Marvel to build Big Baby Recording Studios, a New York-based company.
Zizzo, in his role of Artist Development, discovered, developed, produced, and launched prominent artists such as Avril Lavigne, Vanessa Carlton, and Toby Lightman. Zizzo has also spoken and led seminars at South by Southwest and other music industry events. Zizzo's songs and productions have been on recordings that have sold over 100 million albums worldwide. He also wrote many songs for the animated series Winx Club (2004-today)
Discography
| Year | Artist | Album/Singles | Charts | Certifactions/Awards | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Elizabeth Gillies | Winx Club (Nickelodeon US Version)
|
– | – | Producer, writer |
| 2011 | The Fresh Beat Band | A Friend Like You [single]
|
#1 on iTunes Kids Chart 5 Album | – | Producer, writer, arranger |
| 2009 | Pixie Lott | Turn It Up
|
UK Top 5 Album | −2x platinum (600,000+) | Producer, writer, arranger |
| 2009 | BeBe & CeCe Winans | Still
|
US #14 Billboard Top 100
US #1 Gospel Album |
Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album 2011 | Producer, writer, arranger |
| 2009 | Blake Lewis | Heartbreak on Vinyl
|
US #7 Dance & Electronic Album | – | – |
| 2006 | Stephanie McIntosh | Tightrope
|
#4 AUS | Gold (+35,000 units sold) | Producer, co-writer |
| 2005 | Toby Lightman | Little Things
|
Top 15 Hot AC, Top 40 Pop | – | Producer, writer, arranger |
| 2002 | Avril Lavigne | Let Go
|
– | 18 Million Worldwide
RIAA Diamond Award |
Producer, writer, arranger |
| 2000 | M2M | Shades of Purple
|
US Top 20 Radio
US Sales #1 (Certified Platinum) |
2 Million Worldwide | Producer, writer, arranger |
| 1999 | Jennifer Lopez | "On The 6"
|
– | 7 Million Worldwide | Producer, writer, arranger |
| 1997 | Celine Dion | These Are Special Times
|
– | 14 Million Worldwide | Writer, arranger |
| 1996 | Celine Dion | Let's Talk About Love
|
Top 40 | 33 Million Worldwide
RIAA Diamond Award[3] |
Writer, arranger |
| 1994 | Celine Dion | "The Color of My Love
|
Top 10 US
Top 5 UK |
16 Million Worldwide | Writer, arranger |
Acting career
In 2009 Peter played a character named after himself in the Steven Soderbergh film The Girlfriend Experience starring adult film star Sasha Grey. "Girlfriend Experience" was written by Peter's lifelong friends Brian Koppelman and David Levien who also named a character after him in the poker classic Rounders.[4]
References
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