Joey Gian

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Though Joey Gian is a gifted actor and acclaimed songwriter, he says: “When I’m onstage and the music takes over, I am in a state of true bliss; when I am singing, what you hear is the essence of who I am.” ***** Gian grew up in Brooklyn singing along with ’70s-soul and traditional Italian records, substituting a hairbrush for a microphone during his bedroom rehearsals. ***** Gian first received widespread recognition as a vocalist in his early 20s, when he became a sensation on the “American Idol” precursor “Star Search.” “That was the first time I’d ever sung in public,” he says, “and it was in front of 23 million people. I won the competition that night and went on to be a five-time winner and semifinalist. I also had the thrill of doing my first recording for the ‘Star Search’ winners album.” Gian’s triumphant run on “Star Search” led to engagements at top nightclubs throughout the country and a sideline performing on songwriters’ demos, which afforded him critical studio experience and resulted in his own demo tapes. ***** One of these found its way to producer and songwriter Charlie Midnight (Joe Cocker, James Brown, Christina Aguilera). “I was attracted to Joey’s powerful voice,” Midnight subsequently remarked. He and partner Marc Swersky thereafter began working in New York on the Joey Gian Project. The three of them worked together for several years and wrote 40 songs. Although an album was never released, Joey won the art of songwriting and the experience of dozens and dozens of live performances on the East Coast, which helped him develop the stage presence that has been key to his success. ***** Gian next developed a specialty singing jingles, having landed a national Budweiser campaign slated for a two-year run. For the next several years, while Gian was resuming his nightclub act – opening for such luminaries as Little Jimmy Scott and Ray Charles, performing at private parties for the likes of Milton Berle and Merv Griffin – he constantly heard himself on the radio and TV not only in Budweiser commercials, but also spots promoting Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Taco Bell and various other major brands. ***** A subsequent gig found Gian playing himself in the film “Return to Me,” starring David Duchovny and Minnie Driver. He was hand-picked for the role by the film’s co-writer and director, comic actress Bonnie Hunt, who’d been searching for a fresh face and voice in the Tony Bennett vein. “You’re carrying the torch for this music,” Hunt told him. “You’re a keeper of the flame.” Not only did Gian perform in the film; he also wrote and sang the modern standard – “What If I Loved You” – heard during the closing credits and appeared on the soundtrack (which also featured Gian’s version of “Return to Me,” along with the Dean Martin original). ***** He says he’s gleaned much about phrasing from listening to jazz legend and friend Little Jimmy Scott, whom, he explains, “sings with an ocean of emotion.” But much of his skill has been gained from formal study with such respected teachers as Cantor Nate Lam, Gary Catona and opera specialist Ron Anderson, from whom Gian learned the 300-year-old bel canto vocal technique (Tony Bennett, Gian later discovered, also trained in bel canto). ***** His commitment to what he sings is what drew Ruth Brown onstage with him at a Las Vegas club. “Honey, you sing with so much soul,” she whispered in his ear after their impromptu duet, “that I just had to come up and sing with you.” ***** “I’ve been onstage with a lot of the greats – Ray, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Little Jimmie Scott – people who blow me away. I’m very proud to be able to tip my hat to the people who’ve led the way for me.” *****“God gave me the gift of singing,” Joey says with obvious gratitude, “and my singing is my gift back to God.”