The Song Diary
In addition to his success in the world of pop music, Michael is universally recognized as one of the most respected and adored creators of contemporary Jewish worship music.
Each month this space will highlight an original Jewish composition (and the occasional pop song!) and share behind the scenes interviews with the artist or cowriters, the Rabbi or Cantor who commissioned it, and get into the nitty gritty of the songwriting process. The Song Diary will focus on songs with a message, songs that have a truly unique story to tell, songs that are timely.
Feel free to scroll down...explore the behind the scenes videos, sheet music, mp3s...and if you feel like it, drop me a message!
Roll Like A River (Sheet Music)
With English lyrics inspired by and adapted from iconic civil rights speeches and Jewish teachings on ethics, this song is perfect for MLK Shabbat services and interfaith concerts.
A New Year (sheet music)
A New Year: Written by Michael Hunter Ochs/Commissioned by the 92Y. This song has over 10 million views on social media...unprecedented in the world of Jewish Music.
The Music Videos
The 92Y produced 3 music videos for A New Year. Here they are...hope you enjoy! Wishing all who celebrate a healthy and happy and inspired New Year.
The Song Diary: "Silhouette" (July 13, 2021)
Honestly...there is nothing I can say to set up the latest entry of The Song Diary. Michael Leonardi is one of the most inspiring, courageous, and generous people walking on this planet. Somehow...we were able to write an uplifting song about Michael's falling in love while losing his vision to Retinitis Pigmentosa. Thank you, Michael for letting me be part of sharing your story and hopefully inspiring a few people along the way.
Click the arrow above to view...
Suggestion: Try listening with your eyes closed. Then listen again and follow along with The Song Diary email as a handy reference and guide.
In this reimagining of Mi Chamochah, the song the Jewish people sang during the Exodus from Egypt, each verse focuses on modern forms of slavery...slavery to hatred, prejudice, the holding of grudges, and the walls that divide people and perpetuate stereotypes. Uptempo, with entirely original English lyrics, Freedom easily lends itself to be played by the most accomplished professionals or temple bands and musicians.
Only In Your Heart
Only In Your Heart - written one year ago today...after only 3 weeks of lockdown. I was beginning to feel a kind of isolation I had never known...and as a songwriter I'm actually used to being a bit cut off, late hours alone in my studio. The phone rang early in the morning on April 1, 2020 - a call from Berlin. My dear friend and co-writer, Martin Gallop, had been asked to write a song that spoke to the pandemic, the loneliness and the hope. We ended up writing this song, and it was chosen for a European wide campaign (the link on the right) to bring folks a sense of togetherness during these tough times. Honestly, writing this song was one of the most therapeutic and cathartic experiences of my life. Above: The version on the right was the original 45 second song written for the public service campaign. After 1.5 million views we decided to write a full length song - on the left.