We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Irene Michaels a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Irene, thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right, and how has that impacted your life and career?
I am fortunate to have such loving and giving parents. They were the salt of the earth. They were my biggest fans; if I miss anything the most, it is that part of my life. They taught me value, respect, honesty, and giving. They were so caring and comforting. I wish more children had parents like I had – my mom always used to say,” Everyone should have a daughter like mine—feelings were mutual. My dad taught me the value of money and how to save. If I made $10.00, I would save a dollar. Today, I am the same way, which has proven to help me through my entire life. I can’t say enough good things about them.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I have been in the entertainment business my entire life, one way or another. I was blessed with being very disciplined (which is extremely important in the arts ); when all your friends are out playing and having fun, you are practicing and practicing and practicing. As a child, I used to dress up all the time and make believe I was someone else, usually a current film star. I started at age 11, taking dance, singing, and acting classes with my mentor Claire Powell in Chicago. I feel I have been very successful with my creative side as well as my business side. I’m proud of the beauty product I developed, “I On Youth Collection,” and the wonderful book I wrote, “I On Beauty, Living Beautifully and Luxuriously Beyond 50.” That holds many beauty tips from celebrities that I had the chance to meet either backstage or at a gig. I am singing and writing music, which I did a long time ago, and when COVID hit, I went back to it. I am glad that I did. I have been nominated for a Grammy and won many awards for my songs. What sets me apart from others is that when most women & men retire, I’m just starting again. I thrive on creating! Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey? My last goal is always to remain relevant and be an excellent example of what can be done at any age. I didn’t get married until I was 73; how about that?
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The rewarding part of my journey is all the wonderful people I work with. I call them the “I Team”. Eileen Shapiro & Jimmy Starr for their excellent Public Relations Services, Rachael Cain for believing in me and teaching me all about House Music, Michael A. Levine for working with me and writing my new songs, Joe Smoothfor helping me produce them and get them out there, my wonderful and talented musicians in my band “Our House ” for Suzanne Tripaldi, for all of her excellent work and guidance, and of course, my wonderful husband, Arny Granat, who has the patience of a saint and a beautiful heart. And last but not least, MY amazing fans; I wouldn’t be here without you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ionthescene.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ionthescene/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irene.michaels.77
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-michaels-3710323/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ionthescene
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ionthescene
- TikTok: Irene Michaels Music https://www.tiktok.com/@irenemichaelsmusic
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/332ryPfHd52qWnIKCfd2mw?si=LtFRGRJ6TqO7W39FQ1m3nA&nd=1
Image Credits
Billy Hess