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Michael Jonathan Richards
Michael Jonathan Richards is a New York City-based songwriter known for a diverse catalog that spans pop, country, pop country, rock, dance, theatrical, and inspirational music.
After graduating from Skidmore College, Michael was selected as one of five composers invited to join BMI’s Songwriters Circle, an acknowledgment of his early promise as a songwriter.
After his selection for BMI’s Songwriters Circle, his song “I Will Hold You Now” was recorded by German star Nina Falk following her hit single “I Will Love Again,” giving him early international visibility.
As his momentum grew, Michael joined Songlink, which opened the door to recording and publishing contracts along with widespread press coverage. He later spent a full year in Nashville, Tennessee, working with Juno Award winner and former SOCAN chairman, the late Mel Shaw, a respected producer best known for discovering and developing The Stampeders. This period produced many of his newer works and expanded his reach into the country and pop country markets.
After returning to New York City, Michael’s song “Spark,” recorded by German artist LIZA, won First Place at the International Grand Prix of Composers and was recognized internationally following its release. His song “Wake Up” was then featured on Jeronimo’s album One Kiss, accompanied by a music video filmed in the south of France.
In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Michael continued building his catalog by working remotely with respected Nashville producer Anthony “Tony” Morra of Downtown Batterie and collaborating with Blair Masters, whose keyboard work and musical guidance shaped several of the tracks and drew on his experience as the recording and touring keyboardist for Garth Brooks’s band.
Building on those collaborations, Michael was introduced in late 2022 by industry executive Kent Jacobs to IROC, which led to a publishing deal with Mojo Music and Media, a company that places original compositions in film and television, and later became part of Concord Records.
As of November 2025, Michael reunited with German star Nina Falk to pen the Christmas song “A Light in the Window” and co-write its German adaptation. Both versions are currently planned for future holiday release.
Michael also established his own publishing company, MJRTunes Worldwide (BMI), as he continues to grow his catalog. He currently resides in New York City.