Artist Spotlight: John Michael Ferrari

The New Music Awards have recognized John Michael Ferrari as Artist of the Year for 2021 as he releases his emotional break-up pop country crossover song, “My Heart Can’t Breathe”.

Coming off the recent success of his last album, “Be the Smile on Your Face,” during the past year and during this pandemic year of COVID, John Michael Ferrari has had six tunes on several radio charts. As with John Michael Ferrari’s successful previous album, “Be the Smile on Your Face,“, “My Heart Can’t Breathe” was recorded at Larry Beaird Studios, Nashville; produced by Pepper Jay, and written and performed by John Michael Ferrari for Cappy Records. 

The making of a successful song takes a community.  For “My Heart Can’t Breathe” John sends special appreciation to Evan Hutchings on drums, Eli Beaird on bass, Troy Lancaster on electric guitar, Mike Rojas on keys, Justin Schipper on steel guitar, Kris Donegan on acoustic guitar, Jim “Jimbo” DeBlanc (tracking / BGV engineer), Rob Lane (Vocal Engineer), David Buchanan (mix engineer), and gorgeous background vocals of Tania Hancheroff. It is with the phenomenal talent of these artists that John’s incredible gift of creativity is brought forward to a public that so desperately needs to experience his unique style and music.

In addition to Cross-over Artist of the Year, John Michael Ferrari was named “Rising Star” 2021 determined by fan votes at the eZWay Virtual Golden Gala, awarded “Outstanding Triple A Album” 2020 for the “Be the Smile on Your Face” album by the Producer’s Choice Honors, awarded “Best Peace Song” 2020 at the Hollywood Tribute to the Oscars by Art 4 Peace, and named Singer Songwriter of the Year 2019 at the Fame Awards.

John Michael Ferrari’s songs are stories put to music, sometimes, so emotionally relatable; it’s difficult for his audience not to shed a tear. The inspiration for “My Heart Can’t Breathe” after his heart ached seeing a photo of himself with a loved one from years ago, like all of his music; it is the experiences of his rich life that weaves the tapestry of his genius.

In his early life, John Michael Ferrari’s childhood was not a happy one.  He found refuge in playing his guitar and singing, which for him was rebellious; he was not allowed to play his guitar in his step-father’s house.  The first song he learned was “Tom Dooley” and the first song he wrote was at 14years of age.

John spent his childhood on the streets and found his way into trouble, at age 15, a Judge called him incorrigible and not understanding what that word meant, he responded “Thank you”, and his polite gesture inspired the Judge to sentence John to 2 years in the Nevada State Children’s Home in Carson City.

John shares this “was probably the best thing that could have happened to me and the first time I felt safe as a child or teen”. Before the time to graduate high school, the principal suggested John Michael drop out of school and join the military … which he did; the U.S. Army, 25^th Infantry, which John said was another one of the best things that could have happened to him. 

Interesting to note that John Michael Ferrari,s tune “Dustoff” (written in 1966 and was included on John’s “My Early Life” album) was written in honor of the military helicopter and its crew that picked up the wounded and dead after a fire fight in Vietnam is a song still honored by the Dustoff Association and has been included in several movies.

Music has been John Michael Ferrari’s life; writing, arranging, and performing.  His work and association with Pepper Jay as a music partner has lasted for over 30 years and continues today. Pepper Jay produces John Michael Ferrari’s music and manages his career.

Newspapers and magazines have been generous to John Michael Ferrari.  John Michael has graced two magazine covers over the Covid year and the Los Angeles Times wrote a full-page story on John Michael entitled, “No Earplugs Required” and concluded John Michael was the new Sammy Davis Jr or a young Bobby Darin.

John Michael Ferrari is also a teacher, a public speaker and keynote concert speaker. John is the author of “Acting with Your Eyes” and the co-author of “Dynamic Song Performance – The Singer’s Bible.”

Find and Follow John Michael Ferrari’s Online:

http://www.JohnMichaelFerrari.com

Facebook @JohnMichaelFerrariSongwriter

Twitter @JohnnyFerrari

Instagram @JohnMichaelFerrari