Michelle Cleary: Singer/Songwriter

I make music about the life that I love to live! +

“I learned this, at least, by my experiment; that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” ~Henry D. Thoreau.

“Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our greatest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, talented, fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be?” ~Marianne Williamson

Music

Some background music for your life

{ Not Forgotten: A Special Song That Turned Into A Special Cause }{ Please listen to Not Forgotten in music player above }

On March 16th 2011, Vinny D’Orio a NYC Police Officer of 4 years and a retired NYC Firefighter asked Michelle Cleary to write lyrics for music he and FDNY Lt. Dave Rath had written. Vinny wanted it to be about the police and firefighter’s he had the honor of knowing but who ultimately lost their lives in the line of duty. They wanted to collaborate with Michelle on this particular piece because she grew up in the firehouse as the daughter of a fireman and because she had sung so many anthems for the FDNY after 9/11. That evening Michelle wrote lyrics based on VInny’s story, her own knowledge of FF’s who had suffered tremendous loss, and the stories of soldiers who have given their lives in the line of duty. With the help of musician, Tina Kenny “Not Forgotten” was created.

“Not Forgotten” communicates that even in the absence of a loved one their presence remains, their impact on our lives continues, and most of all our love for them endures. Michelle, Vinny, Dave, and Tina wrote a song that reiterates the promise… we will not forget. Since its inception “Not Forgotten” has been performed for countless FDNY plaque dedication, memorials, fund raisers and events. The song has been featured on CBS Channel 2 News for their Remembering 9/11 series and has been performed at Nassau Coliseum, The Jacob Javitis Center, The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and at the Intrepid. Please visit Not Forgotten for more information about the charities that are being supported by its proceeds.

Meet the Artist

A little bit about me...

Michelle Cleary

Taylor Swift appeals to girls who are about 12-25 years old…then Michelle Cleary takes over.

Warm sincerity shines through her “perfectly put” lyrics and rich voice. Infectious melodies carry messages of Love and Hope. From heart ache to heart mend; insecurity to self-discovery; and, from loss to revelation … yeah, Michelle has a song for that. If there was ever an artist that you could find connection with, she’s it.

She has been more then merely “influenced” by artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette, Jewel, Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Barielles, Counting Crows, Missy Higgins, Jason Mraz, and Christina Perri (etc). Each of these artists have spent their fair share of time on repeat, accompanying Michelle through a whole lot of life…

“Fingers wide spread against the wall”, Michelle has found her way through the dark. Against the odds she has found her voice.

Experienced Song Writer
Passionate Risk Taker
Uninhibited Ambition

Pieces of Me

Moments

Full Cup

Performance at Full Cup
Michelle Cleary

Michelle Cleary
Michelle Cleary
Michelle Cleary
Michelle Cleary at Yankee Statdium

Singing for the NY Yankees. 10/12/12 Game #5 ALDS
Michelle Cleary
Michelle Cleary
Michelle Cleary
Performance at the Bitter End

The Bitter End
NY Police and Fire Widows and Children’s Benefit Fund

NY Police and Fire Widows and Children's Benefit Fund Gala 10/11/12 at The Park Ave Armory
The Bitter End

Performing at The Bitter End