Paul MacKey

PAUL'S STORY

Host of “Jazz at the Twelve” at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Paul MacKey is known as “The Singer's Singer”

THE EARLY YEARS Born into humble surroundings, Paul was given a pair of drum sticks and a drum pad at age 7 so he could begin his musical training, which happened to be all his family could afford at the time. That turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. Having a base in rhythmic patterns made it all the easier when the melody was added. Paul will always be grateful to his uncle, Harley Moore, who played drums in the same band for 50 years. Uncle Harley had the most exquisite pearl inlay accordion which he sold so that Paul could be the first in his family to attend college.

THE COLLEGE YEARS Paul began college life as a percussionist, but when the orchestra and the choir went on tour, and he saw the choir having fun and he was “schlepping” tympanis, that’s when the decision was made to be a singer. During Paul’s college years he was fortunate to train with Marcel Marceau, Pilobolus Dance Company and Tandy Beal and Company. The dance training and Paul’s natural ability as a singer opened a pathway to the theatre. A stint in summer stock launched Paul’s move to Los Angeles and a world class career in the arts.

THE HOLLYWOOD YEARS Paul saw an ad in the newspaper seeking employees for the music department at Paramount Pictures, and thought, “well, I was a music major in college, so I guess I should apply.” To Paul’s amazement he got the job and on his first day was told that he was now responsible for the music for all network television programming, which at the time included Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Cheers, Taxi, Family Ties and many more. As the only classically trained musician in the music department he was loaned out to the feature film department to work on a small musical film. What a surprise to come into the office on Monday morning and see an Academy Award sitting on the desk for Best Song for the movie Flashdance. Paul later went on to oversee music operations for the dick clark company (American Bandstand), Carolco Pictures (most notably the Rambo films), and Hemdale Film Corporation (two time winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture, Platoon and Last Emperor).

Film and television during the day, but the nights were for theatre and dance. Paul had the opportunity to work with dance greats, Tatiana Riabouchinska, Rikki Lugo, and Tania Everett. Paul continued performing in the theatre, but two productions stand out amongst the many, appearing as Charlie on the original Broadway stage of Brigadoon and being cast in A Chorus Line. For Paul, dancing in A Chorus Line confirmed that he was he was indeed a dancer.

Not one to sit idly by, Paul’s work with jazz great Phil Moore continues to help define his work in jazz today. Paul always says that he learned most everything he knows about the art of cabaret from Phil. It was at this time Paul had the opportunity to work with so many talented musicians, including jazz legend Dianne Reeves and Broadway star Mary Bond Davis.

THE ATLANTA YEARS Seeking a quieter lifestyle, or so he thought, Paul moved to Atlanta. Continuing to perform, Paul appeared in Chess, the Atlanta premiere of Sweeney Todd, a zany little show called Myth at the Shakespeare Tavern, and danced with the Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre in its production of Coppelia, performing the role of Doctor Coppelius. It was also during this time Paul began teaching and took the position of Director of the Vocal Department at Centre Stage. At one time Paul had a waiting list of over 200 students.

THE PALM SPRINGS YEARS Seeking the California sun, Paul once again relocated to California and settled in the resort community of Palm Springs. Over the years Paul has appeared in the theatrical productions, A Little Night Music (winning a Desert Theatre League Award for Best Performance by a Supporting Actor), Love Valour Compassion, Putting It Together, and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change to name but a few. Paul also appeared in Michael Childers’ production of One Night Only: Sondheim In Love appearing with Broadway stars Liz Callaway, Nancy Dussault, Davis Gaines, Jason Graae, Teri Ralston, and Lee Roy Reams.

Paul’s big break into the world of jazz came when he appeared with the Brian Nova Trio at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. This led to a number of jazz dates, and ultimately being tapped to host Jazz at the 12, Fantasy Springs’ very successful venture into the world of jazz. As host of the show Paul has had the opportunity to perform with jazz greats Brian Nova, Larry Holloway, Andy Fraga, Sherry Williams, Laurence Hobgood, Joe Bagg, Gina Saputo, Janis Mann, Howard Paul, Bob Sheppard, Gary Novak, and Tom Scott.

THE FUTURE There is no looking back. Paul is establishing himself as an up and coming jazz artist, and looks forward to many more years of recording and performing. Show less