Michael Cavanaugh has appeared as guest soloist with the North Carolina Symphony twice, performing his tribute to Billy Joel in 2019 and to Elton John in 2020.

Made famous for his piano and lead vocals in the Broadway musical Movin’ Out, Michael Cavanaugh was handpicked by Billy Joel and appeared in the starring role for three years, culminating with both Grammy and Tony award nominations.

Cavanaugh began playing at age seven, when his parents bought their first piano, and formed his first band at age 10. His first full-time gig as a musician was in Orlando, Florida, at a piano bar called Blazing Pianos. In January of 1999, he received an opportunity to play Las Vegas at the New York, New York Hotel and Casino. It was there that Billy Joel spotted him and joined him on stage one night in February 2001. Soon he began working alongside Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp to shape Movin’ Out.

With the close of Movin’ Out at the end of 2005, Cavanaugh began touring in his own right. His interpretations led to Billboard Magazine calling him “The New Voice of the American Rock and Roll Songbook,” and he was recognized by Reuters as Entertainer of the Year for the private events market. His first orchestral show, Michael Cavanaugh – The Songs of Billy Joel and More, debuted in 2008 with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. His Generations of Rock series continued in 2010 with Michael Cavanaugh: The Songs of Elton John and More. Singers and Songwriters: the Music of Paul Simon, Neil Diamond, and James Taylor followed in 2012, and in 2015 he debuted Rockin’ Christmas with the Pops. He continues to tour all four symphony productions as well as performing with his own band.

Cavanaugh released his first CD, In Color, in 2008. The Way I Hear It, released in 2017, debuted at #17 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. In 2020 he reached the POLLSTAR Live 75 list of the top 75 active touring acts in the country.