Critically acclaimed as a passionate and prolific songwriter and performer, Celeste Friedman is the granddaughter of big-band leader Leo Reichert. She began her study of classical piano at age nine and joined her first band at age sixteen, fully immersed in a music career that she would have never predicted.
After touring with a pop-rock act throughout the mid to late 1970's, her experience as a performer transitioned into radio and television broadcasting. From air personality positions to program director, Celeste gained an appreciation for the business of promoting music and getting it on the air.
By the start of the 1990's, she began a pilgrimmage back to her music. With diverse musical influences, her work is very eclectic, her lyrics beautifully crafted with vivid imagery and wit. In 1995, Friedman observed that very small, impressionable audiences were not being served with quality music and lyrics. Thus, she began to create books and songs for children, making great contributions in education. With over twenty-five CD's in her children's catalog alone, she has garnered international airplay and global reviews.
Nominated for a GRAMMY in 2005 and the winner of the 2005 Ohioana Library Association Award in Music Education, Friedman has also received two Pat Weaver Award nominations for her music works in television. Her contributions have been recognized by The Points of Light Foundation, former Mayor Rudolph Guiliani and the City of New York, The Department of Education of The State of New York, Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, The Ohio Bicentennial Commission and Voices of Hope.
National media credits include National Public Radio, A Prairie Home Companion, Music Choice Cable and the ESPN Network.
Celeste's music is dedicated to her dear friend and canine companion, Charlie, a part Siberian Husky and part Norwegian Elkhound, who came into her life while touring with her first band. He was by her side for almost twenty years and not only loved music, but the sound of the piano and gear being packed up for another tour. Here's to Charlie! 1973-1992.
Check out the Songs For Charlie Music web site to learn more about Celeste
and her music.
She's also on MySpace.com at: Singer-Songwriter Page and Composer Page