In this episode, we sit down with Michael Bearden, an extraordinary music director whose career spans collaborations with over 500 artists, including Michael Jackson, Madonna and Lady Gaga. Born and raised in Chicago, Michael began his musical journey playing piano as a young boy, leading to his role as Michael Jackson's final music director. His collaboration with Lady Gaga is equally notable, highlighted by the Emmy-nominated Pepsi Halftime Superbowl LI performance and their acclaimed Las Vegas residencies, Enigma and Jazz & Piano.

Misha Kordestani's conversation with Michael delves into the nuances of artist development and its role in creating legacy artists. We discuss his experiences with the top female artists of our generation, exploring the common thread of excellence he's observed. Michael also reflects on the shift in prioritizing artist development in the music industry and its implications. Additionally, he offers a heartfelt perspective on the losses of icons like Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson, shedding light on both the challenges and triumphs of the music industry.