Richie Cannata / Cove City Sound Studios

Richie Cannata is a renowned saxophonist, composer, and producer with a storied career spanning decades in the music industry. Born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island, he first studied classical piano and clarinet before picking up the tenor saxophone. In 1975, he joined Billy Joel’s original band, contributing to legendary albums such as Turnstiles, The Stranger, 52nd Street, and Glass Houses. In 2015, he was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame and later reunited with former bandmates Liberty DeVitto and Russell Javors to form The Lords of 52nd Street. Beyond his work with Billy Joel, Richie has been a longtime member of The Beach Boys, collaborating both in the studio and on tour. His career highlights also include performing New York State of Mind with the New York Philharmonic in Central Park and playing the National Anthem at Derek Jeter’s Baseball Hall of Fame induction in 2020.

In addition to his performance career, Richie is a highly respected producer and recording engineer. In 1983, he co-founded Cove City Sound Studios, which has since become one of the premier recording studios on the East Coast. Over the past 40 years, the studio has welcomed an impressive roster of artists, including Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Jon Bellion, Jonas Brothers, Shawn Mendes, and John Legend. His expertise as a musician and arranger has also made him an in-demand collaborator for major film and television projects, with his work featured in blockbuster soundtracks like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Jungle Cruise, Chicago, and Pretty Woman.

Richie’s influence extends far beyond the studio and stage, as he continues to mentor emerging artists and host a longstanding Monday night jam session at The Bitter End in Manhattan for over 25 years. As the musical director for the Bernie Williams Band, he bridges the worlds of sports and music, further cementing his legacy as a versatile and influential figure in the industry. Whether performing, producing, or shaping the sound of today’s biggest artists, Richie Cannata remains a driving force in music, seamlessly blending his classical training, rock roots, and jazz sensibilities.