Today we’d like to introduce you to David Pomeranz.
Hi David, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
Raised on Long Island, I became “hooked” on music when I was around 5 years old when my parents played for me the Original Cast album of “West Side Story.” I knew then that music was all I ever wanted to do there. I was in the Synagogue choir when I was 9, singing duets with my father for 3000 people on the High Holy Days. The significance of this was that all of a sudden, the girls would talk to me at school the next day. That’s when I realized the perks of being a professional. I was in bands all through my Jr. High School and High School years (mostly lead singing, playing drums, and guitar), and then, in College at the University of Cincinnati, I joined a band called The East Orange Exopess, which later on became the hit band, “Pure Prairie League” (remember the song, “Aimee?”) I then quit College and went back to New York, found myself a manager and, at age 19, signed a solo record deal with Decca Records. I made two albums with Decca, touring with Badfinger, The Doors, Randy Newman, and lots more. I then went with Clive Davis to record for his then-new label, Arista Records and was one of his first three artists to sign there (the other two being Melissa Manchester and Barry Manilow). While with Arista, I wrote the song “Tryin’ To Get The Feeling Again,” which Manilow recorded and had a number-one hit. After that, my songs began to be recorded and performed by scores of artists like Bette Midler, Freddie Mercury, Richie Sambora (of Bon Jovi), Ann Wilson (of Heart), Christian Superstar, Danny Gokey, Cliff Richar, The Hollies, Clay Aiken, Dennis De Young (of Styx), Phoebe Snow, Billy Dean, Kenny Rogers, Jeff Bridges, Lea Salonga, The Carpenters, Gene Pitney, Anna Nalik, Glen Campbell, Isaac Hayes, Lou Rawls, John Denver, The Muppets, Hubert Laws, Mel Brooks, Donna Summer and Missy Elliott who sampled David’s music for her hit single, “ONE MINUTE MAN” (featuring Ludacris), which went to the top of the Billboard Charts. Suffice it to say, my career as a Songwriter took off. I made more albums and wrote “The Old Songs.” Which, again, became a #1 hit by Barry Manilow and toured with scores of principal Acts. Since then, I’ve written several Stage Musicals (one going to Broadway, one off-Broadway, and two on the West End of London. My life is still all about music, and I owe much of it to my parents, who, as a boy, exposed me to every kind of music, from Rock to Classical to Broadway to Jazz.
Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a Pro Musician is never smooth, but it sure is exciting! My struggles have to do with meeting deadlines and exerting self-discipline. This is a must for success in any business. I’ve learned how to communicate with an audience by playing thousands of gigs throughout my life – doing well, falling flat, learning from the experience, and improving every step. It’s also essential to associate with the right people who want you to succeed.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create music, work hard at it, and enjoy it. It’s what I love most about this work.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
My desire to communicate with people and not stand apart from them sets me apart, as some Artists seek to do. I also work hard to get the song right and don’t usually let it go when I’m happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.davidpomeranz.com
