About the author
Emmy Award nominee, and three-time CNN Hero nominee, Joseph Curiale’s career in Hollywood’s film, television, and recording industry, began with Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, composing music from 1982 until the final show in 1993, including his song, Sick of the Blues, which became the closing theme. In 1983 he was signed as the first staff songwriter in Columbia Picture's history, signing an exclusive six-year contract, which led to gold and platinum records for his work on the #1 soundtrack, Breakin' (Breakdance), as well as Vanessa Williams’ first album, The Right Stuff. He has songs in films such as Steve Martin's, Roxanne, Summer School (Mark Harmon), Quicksilver (Kevin Bacon), Little Nikita (River Phoenix), and Rockula (Thomas Dolby). In television, his themes include Ace Ventura Pet Detective, The New Monkees, Melba, Yo Yogi, Not Just News, as well as the long running Emmy Award winning children’s show, Nick News, and more. In the area of Musical Variety, he orchestrated numerous TV Specials such as the Tribute to Sammy Davis, which earned him an Emmy Award nomination in Musical Direction. His work as either composer, arranger, or producer has been recorded or performed by more than 100 artists ranging from Michael and Janet Jackson, to Little Richard and Kathleen Battle.
In 1995 Joseph recorded his first symphonic composition, Gates of Gold with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and in April of 1997 released his first CD entitled, Awakening. Greatly encouraged by the support of National Public Radio, and the continual requests of its listeners, Joy and Gates of Gold have become modern American standards, which inspired Joseph to complete a second CD, The Music of Life, featuring the London Symphony and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras, as well as soloists from China and Japan. The third release of the Awakening CD features a bonus track of Joseph’s composition, Blue Windows, performed by Doc Severinsen and Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields, with the composer conducting.
In addition to being selected an Artist Fellow at The MacDowell Colony, Ucross Foundation, and Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts, Joseph received commissions from the University of Wyoming and Ohio Northern University, and received the American Composers Forum/Phoenix Symphony commission in 2003, to compose a multi-faceted work celebrating the cultural diversity of Phoenix Arizona, and won again in 2005. He was Composer-In-Residence at the University of Wyoming, the University of Minnesota Duluth, and Ohio Northern University, as well as being appointed Artist-in-Residence at Tokyo International School in 2007.
Arrangers Publishing Company released of a collection of the composer’s concert band arrangements from the music of the CDs Awakening and The Music of Life, in addition to the widely performed marching band show: The Music of Joseph Curiale. His music has also been featured in Drum Corp International World Championships in 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2009.
A deeply spiritual man, Joseph’s works as a composer, author, poet, photographer, and educator, are recognized the world-over for their passion, beauty and sense of wonder. His music is heard regularly on National Public Radio’s classical music programming, as well as NPR’s inspiring show, Speaking of Faith. His books, The Spirit of Creativity, and The Wisdom of Creativity, are insightful and inspiring guides to exploring, unlocking, and honoring the creative spirit in everyone.
Since 2006, The Joseph Curiale Foundation has been bringing relief to the widows and orphaned children affected by the mass of farmer suicides in India. Joseph continues to deliver the aid personally. A documentary film, Sowing Hope, was broadcast worldwide in honor of his humanitarian work, and a second documentary is in the making.