Richie Cannata
Richie worked with Billy Joel, Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, the Beach Boys, Bernie Williams and the list goes on. This New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn and Long Island and has music in his blood. Richie studied classical piano growing up, but it doesn’t stop there. He also studied the clarinet, flute, keyboards, and saxophone with the tenor saxophone being his forte.
In his 20’s Richie performed and toured with Billy Joel. Richie often returns to perform on stage with Billy Joel he played the New Years Eve 2000 Millennium Show at Madison Square Garden along with a 12 show run in 2006. “All the shows at Madison Square Garden were great, especially the one my mom was at for her 80th birthday. I came center stage and played New York State of Mind to her. It was a great moment for both my mom and I.”
During the mid 1990’s Richie toured with the Beach Boys. In his experience with them he also worked with John Stamos as he and the Beach Boys would appear on the hit sitcom, “Full House” together. “John Stamos was always fun and made my performances memorable. The best episode for me was with Little Richard and then again all the episodes were fantastic.” He recently also contributed to Brian Wilson’s new CD.
Richie is not only a professional musician but also a music producer. He has produced albums for Phoebe Snow, Rita Coolidge, Corey Hart, and Tommy Shaw. Cove City Sound Studios is also a favorite for major headliner names to record their upcoming music. One of the most recent was Jennifer Lopez for her hit song, “On the Floor.” and the last 3 “Dream Theater” CDs. Richie’s musical work can also be heard in the motion pictures “Remo Williams – The Adventure Begins” and “Slaves of New York.”
All of Richie’s extensive work behind the scenes in music lead him to open “Cove City Sound Studios.” This is a state of the art recording studio in Glen Cove, New York Richie co-owns with his son Eren Cannata.
In 2015 Richie was inducted into The Long Island Music Hall of Fame. He then reunited with Liberty DeVitto and Russell Javors to reform the original Billy Joel Band , called The Lords of 52nd Street They are touring the country and getting incredible great reviews…something very close and dear to Richie. He also will be honored as the Italian American of the year on June 5 2017. in Albany New York by Governor Andrew Cuomo.
He is also working.on many production projects at Cove City Sound Studios in addition to hosting Monday Night Jams at the Bitter End. He also is the musical director of former New York Yankee and Latin Grammy nominated jazz artist, Bernie Williams and his band. In 2011 Richie released his debut solo album titled, “Richie Cannata” sold online now. “Being the owner of Cove City Sound Studios I never had the chance to get into my own studio and record a CD. I finally did and the results have been awesome. I would love it if people would support this live music so we can play shows throughout the world and make a new CD in the future.”
