Who is Michael Tell?

Michael Tell is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his work with the band Toto, with whom he has recorded several hit songs, including "Hold the Line", "Rosanna", and "Africa".

Tell was born in New York City in 1954. He began playing guitar at an early age, and by the time he was a teenager, he was playing in local bands. In 1976, he joined Toto, which was then known as "The Steve Lukather Band".

With Toto, Tell has released 14 studio albums and has sold over 40 million records worldwide. He has also written or co-written many of the band's most popular songs, including "Hold the Line", "Rosanna", and "Africa".

In addition to his work with Toto, Tell has also released several solo albums. He has also worked as a session musician and producer for other artists, including Cher, Eric Clapton, and Phil Collins.

Michael Tell is a highly respected and successful musician. He has been inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and has received several Grammy Awards. He continues to tour and record with Toto and is also working on new solo material.

Michael Tell

Singer
Songwriter
Record producer
Toto
"Hold the Line"
"Rosanna"
"Africa"

These key aspects highlight Michael Tell's career and his contributions to the music industry. As a singer, songwriter, and record producer, he has played a vital role in the success of Toto and has helped to create some of the band's most iconic songs. His work has also extended beyond Toto, as he has worked with other notable artists and released several solo albums.

1. Singer

Michael Tell is a singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known for his work with the band Toto. As a singer, Tell has a powerful and versatile voice that can handle a wide range of genres, from rock to pop to R&B. He is also a gifted songwriter, having written or co-written many of Toto's biggest hits, including "Hold the Line", "Rosanna", and "Africa".

Vocal range: Tell has a wide vocal range, spanning three octaves. This allows him to sing both high and low notes with ease, and gives him the ability to add power and emotion to his performances.
Versatility: Tell is a versatile singer who can perform a variety of genres, from rock to pop to R&B. This versatility has allowed him to work with a wide range of artists, from Toto to Cher to Eric Clapton.
Songwriting: Tell is a gifted songwriter who has written or co-written many of Toto's biggest hits, including "Hold the Line", "Rosanna", and "Africa". His songs are often characterized by their catchy melodies, memorable lyrics, and complex arrangements.
Live performance: Tell is a dynamic live performer who always puts on a great show. He is known for his energetic stage presence and his ability to connect with the audience.

Michael Tell is one of the most successful and respected singers in the music industry. His powerful voice, versatility, and songwriting skills have made him a valuable asset to Toto and to the music world as a whole.

2. Songwriter

Michael Tell is a singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known for his work with the band Toto. As a songwriter, Tell has written or co-written many of Toto's biggest hits, including "Hold the Line", "Rosanna", and "Africa". His songs are often characterized by their catchy melodies, memorable lyrics, and complex arrangements.

Storytelling: Tell is a gifted storyteller who can craft songs that are both personal and relatable. His songs often explore themes of love, loss, and hope, and he has a knack for writing lyrics that are both poetic and meaningful.
Melody and Harmony: Tell is a master of melody and harmony. His songs are often built around strong, memorable melodies that are easy to sing along to. He also has a gift for creating complex and beautiful harmonies that add depth and richness to his songs.
Arrangement: Tell is also a skilled arranger who knows how to create lush and sophisticated soundscapes for his songs. He often incorporates a wide range of instruments into his arrangements, from guitars and drums to keyboards and strings.
Collaboration: Tell is a collaborative songwriter who often works with other musicians to create his songs. He has co-written many of Toto's biggest hits with other members of the band, including David Paich and Steve Lukather.

Michael Tell is one of the most successful and respected songwriters in the music industry. His songs have been recorded by a wide range of artists, from Toto to Cher to Eric Clapton. He is a true master of his craft, and his songs continue to inspire and entertain people all over the world.

3. Record producer

Michael Tell is a singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known for his work with the band Toto. As a record producer, Tell is responsible for overseeing the recording and production of Toto's albums. This includes working with the band to develop their sound, selecting the songs that will be recorded, and ensuring that the final product is of the highest quality.

Studio expertise: Tell has a deep understanding of the recording process and the equipment used in the studio. He knows how to get the best possible sound from the band and how to create a cohesive and polished album.
Collaboration: Tell is a collaborative producer who works closely with the band to achieve their desired sound. He is always open to their ideas and suggestions, and he is willing to experiment with different approaches to get the best results.
Attention to detail: Tell is a perfectionist who pays attention to every detail of the recording process. He spends countless hours tweaking the sound of the drums, the guitars, and the vocals until he is satisfied that the album is perfect.
Hitmaker: Tell has a proven track record of success as a record producer. He has produced several of Toto's biggest hits, including "Hold the Line", "Rosanna", and "Africa". His albums have sold millions of copies worldwide and have won numerous awards.

Michael Tell is one of the most successful and respected record producers in the music industry. His expertise, collaboration skills, attention to detail, and hitmaking ability have made him a valuable asset to Toto and to the music world as a whole.

4. Toto

Toto is an American rock band formed in 1977. The band is best known for its hit songs "Hold the Line", "Rosanna", and "Africa". Toto has released 14 studio albums and has sold over 40 million records worldwide.

Michael Tell is a singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his work with the band Toto. Tell has been a member of Toto since 1982, and he has played a major role in the band's success. He has co-written many of Toto's biggest hits, including "Hold the Line", "Rosanna", and "Africa". He has also produced several of Toto's albums.

The connection between Toto and Michael Tell is significant. Tell has been a key member of Toto for over 40 years, and he has played a major role in the band's success. His songwriting and production skills have helped to create some of Toto's most iconic songs. Without Tell, Toto would not be the same band that it is today.

5. "Hold the Line"

Released in 1978, "Hold the Line" is one of Toto's most iconic songs. The song was a commercial success, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has also been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Songwriting: "Hold the Line" was written by Toto guitarist Steve Lukather and keyboardist David Paich. The song is a mid-tempo rock ballad with a strong emphasis on melody and harmony. Tell's vocals are soaring and passionate, and the song's chorus is one of the most memorable in Toto's catalog.
Production: "Hold the Line" was produced by Toto and Tom Dowd. The song was recorded at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles, California. Dowd's production is clean and polished, and he gives the song a timeless sound.
Personnel: In addition to Tell, "Hold the Line" features Steve Lukather on guitar, David Paich on keyboards, Bobby Kimball on backing vocals, and Jeff Porcaro on drums. The song's distinctive bassline was played by session musician David Hungate.
Legacy: "Hold the Line" is one of Toto's most enduring songs. It has been covered by numerous artists, including the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and REO Speedwagon. The song has also been featured in several films and television shows.

"Hold the Line" is a classic rock song that showcases Michael Tell's talents as a singer, songwriter, and producer. The song is a testament to Tell's skill as a musician and his ability to create timeless music.

6. "Rosanna"

Released in 1982, "Rosanna" is one of Toto's most successful songs. The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. It is also one of the band's most enduring songs, and it continues to be played on classic rock radio stations today.

Songwriting: "Rosanna" was written by Toto guitarist Steve Lukather and keyboardist David Paich. The song is a mid-tempo rock ballad with a strong emphasis on melody and harmony. Tell's vocals are soaring and passionate, and the song's chorus is one of the most memorable in Toto's catalog.
Production: "Rosanna" was produced by Toto and Tom Dowd. The song was recorded at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles, California. Dowd's production is clean and polished, and he gives the song a timeless sound.
Personnel: In addition to Tell, "Rosanna" features Steve Lukather on guitar, David Paich on keyboards, Bobby Kimball on backing vocals, and Jeff Porcaro on drums. The song's distinctive bassline was played by session musician David Hungate.
Legacy: "Rosanna" is one of Toto's most enduring songs. It has been covered by numerous artists, including the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and REO Speedwagon. The song has also been featured in several films and television shows.

"Rosanna" is a classic rock song that showcases Michael Tell's talents as a singer, songwriter, and producer. The song is a testament to Tell's skill as a musician and his ability to create timeless music.

Michael Tell FAQs

This section addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Michael Tell, providing concise and informative answers.

Question 1: What is Michael Tell best known for?

Michael Tell is best known as a singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is a member of the band Toto, with whom he has recorded several hit songs, including "Hold the Line", "Rosanna", and "Africa".

Question 2: What are some of Michael Tell's songwriting credits?

Michael Tell has co-written many of Toto's biggest hits, including "Hold the Line", "Rosanna", and "Africa". He has also written songs for other artists, including Cher, Eric Clapton, and Phil Collins.

Question 3: What are some of Michael Tell's production credits?

Michael Tell has produced several of Toto's albums, including "Toto IV" and "The Seventh One". He has also produced albums for other artists, including Cher, Eric Clapton, and Phil Collins.

Question 4: What are some of Michael Tell's awards and accolades?

Michael Tell has won several Grammy Awards for his work with Toto, including Record of the Year for "Rosanna" and Song of the Year for "Africa". He has also been inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.

Question 5: What is Michael Tell's current status?

Michael Tell is still an active musician. He continues to tour and record with Toto, and he is also working on new solo material.

These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of Michael Tell's career and accomplishments, addressing common questions and highlighting his significant contributions to the music industry.

Continue reading for more in-depth information on Michael Tell and his work.

Conclusion

Michael Tell is a highly accomplished and respected musician who has made significant contributions to the music industry. As a singer, songwriter, and record producer, he has played a key role in the success of Toto and has helped to create some of the band's most iconic songs. His work has also extended beyond Toto, as he has worked with other notable artists and released several solo albums.

Tell's talent, dedication, and passion for music are evident in all of his work. He is a true master of his craft, and his music continues to inspire and entertain people all over the world.