RICHIE CANNATA.

When you first hear “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel, a few things stick out in your mind; the fantastic songwriting and musicianship, and THAT solo. The solo that many people can remember note for note that has become part of us. When Richie recorded and performed that solo in 1976 on The “Turnstiles” record, little did he know what that song and that solo would go on to represent for the biggest city in the world.. Richie wrote that solo as a New Yorker, as a Long Islander, and he and his sound is forever ingrained in us. It was the beginning of him playing all those great memorable sax solos on Billy’s records, which has added up to being on over 150 million records sold.

Richie was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Ernest and Anna. At the ripe old age of four, he had an attraction to the piano, then at eight, he laid his eyes on his future musical, life long companion, the tenor sax. With incredibly supportive parents, Richie blossomed as a musician, especially after the family moved to Garden City South, Long Island. He played in school bands and in bands with his friends. Wetting his lips and perfecting his trade on the local club scene, Richie began doing studio sessions with a variety of musicians. Until that fateful day in 1975, when Richie was in the studio doing some session work, and the engineer, Al Stegmeyer, recognizing his incredible sound and talent, suggested Richie call his brother Doug. Doug had recently gotten the gig as Billy Joel’s bass player, and they were looking for a sax player that also played keys and sang. Richie was that multi talented musician Billy was looking for.

Richie quickly gelled with Billy and the guys, and joined them on the “Turnstiles,” where he would play that amazing solo on New York State of Mind. Billy knew he had something special. Richie would continue to tour throughout the world and perform on albums for many years to come. Performing on multiplatinum records such as “The Stranger,” “52nd Street,” “Glass Houses,”  “Songs in The Attic” and even I having musical residuals on “The Nylon Curtain.” It was then that Richie felt it was time to start a family and expand his horizons, performing with different and varied musicians. He went on to become a member of The Beach Boys, playing on their recordings and their successful world tours. He would also go on to perform with Elton John, Celine Dion, Tommy Shaw, Phoebe Snow, Roseanne Cash, Rita Coolidge, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill and many more.

Richie than took a chance in 1985, and opened up “Cove  City Sound Studios” in Glen Cove. By bringing his unique musical talents to help other musicians, it put Long Island on the map as a “place to be” for recording for already established musicians. Artists such as Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Billy Joel,  Jon Bellion. Chef Special, and Jenifer Lopez would pass through ”Cove Sound’s” doors. Richie would earn many Grammys and an Oscar. He was also a member of John Stamos’ band, “Jesse and The Rippers” on the TV show “Full House,” and continues to this day in his latest position as Musical Director for New York Yankee Bernie Williams and his band.

Richie has always been a true Long Islander at heart, living and working there. He is proud of his beautiful family, starting with his wife, Shirlene. Their talented son, Eren and his wife, Kristen,  and their children, Ceo Prince Cannata and Leaux Cannata. Richie couldn’t be more proud to be the head of his family and watch his grandsons grow up.  Richie is a Long Islander in his heart and soul, and forever remains grateful for the experience of growing up and living on Long Island for his entire life and how it has shaped him as a musician and a person.