Bio
Artist Bio
Michael G. Whitty (born December 29, 1978) is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, lyricist, composer, and arranger. Known for his warm trombone sound, rich baritone voice, and engaging stage presence, Whitty has performed across the United States and parts of Canada alongside Grammy Award-winning artists.
Born into a musical family in Toledo, Ohio, Whitty began playing trombone, baritone, and piano at the age of two or three. He joined his school band in fifth grade and was performing publicly by age 15. Locals fondly remember him riding his bicycle to jam sessions with his trombone balanced on the handlebars. He credits Toledo’s vibrant music scene—particularly venues such as Rusty’s Jazz Café, Murphey’s Place, and Ragtime Rick’s—for shaping his early development, where he immersed himself in jazz, blues, funk, and R&B.
Before he was old enough to legally enter the clubs, Whitty was already performing with a regionally successful eight-piece band. He began working as a bandleader around age 18, assembling top regional musicians and rising to meet their level. He has studied privately with more than 30 instructors and continues his musical education to this day. Veteran Toledo musicians including Claude Black, Clifford Murphey, Mark Kieswetter, Kevin Shope and Eric Brazier mentored him throughout his formative years.
While attending the University of Toledo, Whitty met legendary jazz vocalist Jon Hendricks. He studied privately with Hendricks and served as his assistant, gaining invaluable experience both on and off the stage.
In 2016, Whitty relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida, where he performed with two big bands, an R&B group, jazz/neo soul group, a salsa band, jazz combos, and as a solo pianist. He now resides in Kansas City, Missouri, where he performs in settings ranging from solo piano to large ensembles. He is currently completing his debut album, with the first single, “Festival Time in the Old West End,” scheduled for release on May 26.