Michael Lent was born in Santa Barbara, CA. After studying piano from the age of seven, he began playing the guitar at age ten. At age 15, he started working as a professional guitarist – performing in clubs and concerts through his high school years in Pacific Grove, CA. Upon graduation, he attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Michael has toured and recorded with many artists in his career, including: Barry Manilow, Jeffrey Osborne, James Ingram, Marie Osmond, Ricky Martin, Ronnie Laws, Patti Austin, Al Jardine, Steve Miller, Babyface, Donna Summer, David Foster, Usher, Carnie and Wendy Wilson and Grover Washington, Jr., to name a few.
As a session musician, his credits include Grace Under Fire, WKRP in Cincinnati, Ally McBeal, and Walker, Texas Ranger. He has composed music for shows such as ABC’s General Hospital and Port Charles, NBC’s California Dreams, and Sweating Bullets for CBS. In addition, Michael has played guitar for the national tours of the Broadway shows Mamma Mia, Rent, Aida, Chicago, 42nd Street, and The Lion King. Michael has been performing with Barry Manilow since 1997. He also has extensive experience as a record producer and is currently working on several projects.
He proudly endorses Taylor Guitars, Tom Anderson Guitarworks, MOTU, Mesa/Boogie Amplifiers, TC Electronic gear, GHS strings and now Gator Cases (great stuff!).
Selected discography:
Jeffrey Osborne - 'That's For Sure', 'Something Warm For Christmas'
Al Jardine - 'Postcard From California'
Ronnie Laws - 'Brotherhood'
Barry Manilow - ' 2 Nights Live', 'Scores', 'Live in Las Vegas' (Platinum DVD), 'Greatest Songs of the Fifties' (Platinum record), 'Greatest Songs of the Sixties', Greatest Songs of the Seventies', Greatest Songs of the Eighties', '15 Minutes', 'Live in London'.
Joel Gibson - 'Secret Life' (Producer)
Larry Antonino - 'Village Strut'
Dennis Murphy - 'Hit Me Hard'
Niki Haris - 'Dreaming A Dream'
