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==Early life==
==Early life==
Midnight was born in [[Brooklyn|Brooklyn, New York]] to Louis Leo Kaufman (1916-1993), a factory worker and [[World War II]] veteran, and Bella Hanft (1918-2012). He was raised in [[Bensonhurst, Brooklyn|Bensonhurst]], a working-class neighborhood, and attended [[Lafayette High School (New York City)|Lafayette High School]]. Before deciding to pursue music, Midnight was an aspiring poet and briefly attended [[Brooklyn College]].<ref name=":0" /> His first musical foray was in [[London|London, England]] with a band before he returned a few months later to the [[United States]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last=Midnight|first=Charlie|title=Deserve's Got Nothing to Do With It: Five Elements That Will Help You Survive Your Emotional Journey to Success|publisher=Mascot Books|year=2021|isbn=9781684018352|location=United States}}</ref>
Midnight was born in [[Brooklyn|Brooklyn, New York]] to Louis Leo Kaufman (1916-1993), a factory worker and [[World War II]] veteran, and Bella Hanft (1918-2012). He was raised in [[Bensonhurst, Brooklyn|Bensonhurst]], a working-class neighborhood, and attended [[Lafayette High School (New York City)|Lafayette High School]]. He aspired to enter acting (according to his high school yearbook) or pursue poetry.<ref name=":0" /> Before deciding to pursue music, Midnight briefly attended [[Brooklyn College]].<ref name=":0" /> His first musical foray was in [[London|London, England]] with a band before he returned a few months later to the [[United States]]. Midnight worked various jobs to support his music career, such as being employed as a suit salesman and a legal proofreader.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last=Midnight|first=Charlie|title=Deserve's Got Nothing to Do With It: Five Elements That Will Help You Survive Your Emotional Journey to Success|publisher=Mascot Books|year=2021|isbn=9781684018352|location=United States}}</ref><ref name=":2" />


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== Initial solo career ===
=== Initial solo career ===
Although primarily known as a producer and songwriter for other artists, Midnight actually began his career as a singer and musician himself.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ngo|first=Sheiresa|date=2020-05-06|title=Music Producer Charlie Midnight Tells Us What It Takes to Be a Successful Musical Artist|url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/music-producer-charlie-midnight-interview.html/|access-date=2020-08-30|website=Showbiz Cheat Sheet|language=en-US}}</ref> He performed in several groups throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, which culminated in the release of his solo album ''Innocent Bystander'' in 1982.<ref>[http://www.creaser.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/mirror/danhartman_website/memories/dan_hartman_memories_charlie_midnight.htm Charlie Midnight interview originally retrieved from danhartman.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022183549/http://www.creaser.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/mirror/danhartman_website/memories/dan_hartman_memories_charlie_midnight.htm|date=October 22, 2013}} Retrieved July 1, 2012.</ref> Shortly after this album, Midnight came to the attention of famed singer-songwriter, musician and [[Record producer|producer]] [[Dan Hartman]]. The two began collaborating on songwriting, forming a musical partnership that would last until Hartman's death in 1994.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ngo|first=Sheiresa|last2=Articles|first2=More|last3=May 13|first3=2020|date=2020-05-14|title=Music Producer Charlie Midnight's Thoughts on 'American Idol,' How He Knew He 'Made It,' and His Advice to New Artists|url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/music-producer-charlie-midnight.html/|access-date=2020-08-29|website=Showbiz Cheat Sheet|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Gervais|first=Gabrielle|title=BWW Interview: Charlie Midnight: The Man Behind the Music!|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/BWW-Interview-Charlie-Midnight-The-Man-Behind-the-Music-20141202|access-date=2020-08-29|website=BroadwayWorld.com|language=en}}</ref>
Although primarily known as a producer and songwriter for other artists, Midnight actually began his career as a singer and musician himself.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ngo|first=Sheiresa|date=2020-05-06|title=Music Producer Charlie Midnight Tells Us What It Takes to Be a Successful Musical Artist|url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/music-producer-charlie-midnight-interview.html/|access-date=2020-08-30|website=Showbiz Cheat Sheet|language=en-US}}</ref> He performed in several groups throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, which culminated in the release of his solo album ''Innocent Bystander'' in 1982.<ref name=":2">[http://www.creaser.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/mirror/danhartman_website/memories/dan_hartman_memories_charlie_midnight.htm Charlie Midnight interview originally retrieved from danhartman.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022183549/http://www.creaser.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/mirror/danhartman_website/memories/dan_hartman_memories_charlie_midnight.htm|date=October 22, 2013}} Retrieved July 1, 2012.</ref> Shortly after this album, Midnight came to the attention of famed singer-songwriter, musician and [[Record producer|producer]] [[Dan Hartman]]. The two began collaborating on songwriting, forming a musical partnership that would last until Hartman's death in 1994.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ngo|first=Sheiresa|last2=Articles|first2=More|last3=May 13|first3=2020|date=2020-05-14|title=Music Producer Charlie Midnight's Thoughts on 'American Idol,' How He Knew He 'Made It,' and His Advice to New Artists|url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/music-producer-charlie-midnight.html/|access-date=2020-08-29|website=Showbiz Cheat Sheet|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Gervais|first=Gabrielle|title=BWW Interview: Charlie Midnight: The Man Behind the Music!|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/BWW-Interview-Charlie-Midnight-The-Man-Behind-the-Music-20141202|access-date=2020-08-29|website=BroadwayWorld.com|language=en}}</ref>


=== Songwriting and producing ===
=== Songwriting and producing ===
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==== Artists ====
==== Artists ====


⚫
* [[2 Live Crew]]: [[Living in America (James Brown song)|"Living In America]]" - Co-Writer
⚫
* [[Cher]]: "Welcome To Burlesque" (Film, "Burlesque") Thanksgiving 2010 Release
⚫
*[[Anastacia]]: "Stay" – Writer on her album ''Resurrection''
⚫
* [[James Brown]]: "Living In America" ("Gravity" Album)/
*[[Billy Joel]]: "Why Should I Worry" ("Oliver & Company," Disney animated feature) – Writer/
*[[Christina Aguilera]]: "This Year" (Christmas album ''My Kind of Christmas'') – Writer
*[[Britney Spears]]: "Shadow" ("In The Zone" album) – Writer/
*[[Big Time Rush]]: ''Big Time Rush'' theme song – Writer
*[[Barbra Streisand]]: 2012 "Back To Brooklyn" tour, Writer – specialty lyrics/
*[[Andrea Bocelli]] and [[Barbra Streisand]] duet: Writer "I Still Can See Your Face" on Ms. Streisand's number one ''Partners'' album
*Zach Brandon: Cowriter on the song “Live and Let Live (feat. Jallal)"<ref>{{Cite web|title=Zach Brandon Releases Video for New Single, "Live and Let Live (feat. Jallal)" {{!}} Prelude Press|url=https://preludepress.com/news/2020/10/23/zach-brandon-releases-video-for-new-single-live-and-let-live-feat-jallal/|access-date=2022-01-06|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ngo|first=Sheiresa|date=2020-05-06|title=Music Producer Charlie Midnight Tells Us What It Takes to Be a Successful Musical Artist|url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/music-producer-charlie-midnight-interview.html/|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-06|website=Showbiz Cheat Sheet|language=en-US}}</ref>
*[[Andrea Bocelli]] and [[Barbra Streisand]] duet: Writer "I Still Can See Your Face" on Ms. Streisand's Number One "Partners" album/
⚫
*[[James Brown]]: "Living In America" (''Gravity'' album)
*[[Christina Aguilera]]: "This Year" (Christmas album, "My Kind of Christmas") – Writer/
*[[Kristin Chenoweth]]: ''Happiness Is...Christmas!'' album – Cowrote the song "The Stories That You Told” with [[Jay Landers]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=LeBlanc|first=Larry|date=2021-05-24|title=Interview: A&R Exec Jay Landers|url=https://celebrityaccess.com/2021/05/24/interview-ar-exec-jay-landers/|access-date=2022-01-06|website=CelebrityAccess|language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
*[[Joni Mitchell]]: "How Do You Stop" ("Turbulent Indigo" Album) – Writer/
⚫
*[[Cher]]: "Welcome To Burlesque" (Film: ''Burlesque'') Thanksgiving 2010 release
*[[Seal (musician)|Seal]]: "How Do You Stop" (duet w/ Mitchell, "Turbulent Indigo") – Writer/
⚫
* [[Lauren Christy]]: "My Spot in the World" (''102 Dalmatians'' soundtrack album) – Writer
*[[Joe Cocker]]: "Unchain My Heart" Album, "One Night Of Sin" Album – Producer and Writer; "Love Lives On" ("Harry & The Hendersons" feature film) – Producer
*[[Joe Cocker]]: ''Unchain My Heart'' album; ''One Night Of Sin'' album – Producer and writer; "Love Lives On" (''Harry & The Hendersons'' feature film) – Producer
*[[Chaka Khan]]: "Can't Stop The Street" (Top Ten Dance Single "Krush Groove" Soundtrack) – Writer/
⚫
*[[Miranda Cosgrove]]: "Raining Sunshine" End Title song and soundtrack album from Sony animated feature ''Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs'' - Writer
*[[The Doobie Brothers]]: "Cycles" Album – Writer and Producer of various tracks including "The Doctor" (Top Five Single); "Take Me To The Highway" Live Album – Producer of album, Writer of various tracks/
*[[The Doobie Brothers]]: "Cycles" Album – Writer and producer of various tracks including "The Doctor" (Top Five Single); ''Take Me To The Highway'' live album – Producer of album, writer of various tracks
⚫
*[[Idina Menzel]]: Co-writing songs with Ms. Menzel and Walter Afanasieff for original musical; performs "God Save My Soul" from musical in concert; "December Prayer" – Writer on Ms. Menzel's Christmas album/
⚫
*[[Hilary Duff]]: ''Lizzie McGuire'' soundtrack, Writer and producer; ''Hilary Duff Christmas Album'' ("Santa Claus Lane"), Writer and producer; ''Metamorphosis'' album, Writer and producer on various songs including the hit song, "So Yesterday"
⚫
*[[Paul Stanley]]: "It's Not Me" – Writer – "Live to Win" album
*[[Sheena Easton]]: "When The Lightning Strikes Again" – Writer
⚫
*[[Anastacia]]: "Stay" – Writer on Anastacia's "Resurrection" album/
*Kendra Erika: Cowriter on the song "Song Of Hope”<ref>{{Cite web|title=Interview with Kendra Erika|url=https://www.bringinitbackwards.com/pod/kendraerika|access-date=2022-01-06|website=BRINGIN' IT BACKWARDS|language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
*[["Weird Al" Yankovic]]: "Living With A Hernia (Parody of "Living In America")/
*Natalie Gelman: ''Streetlamp Musician –'' Writer and producer
⚫
*[[Miranda Cosgrove]]: "Raining Sunshine" End Title Song and Soundtrack album from Sony Animated Feature "Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs"- Writer/
⚫
*[[Dan Hartman]]: ''[[I Can Dream About You (album)|I Can Dream About You]]'' album (except the title song and "Electricity") – Writer
*[[Big Time Rush]]: "Big Time Rush," Theme Song – Writer/
*[[Jamey Johnson]]: "My Way To You" – Writer/
*[[Natalie Imbruglia]]: "Outside Looking In" – Writer
*[[Natalie Imbruglia]]: "Outside Looking In" – Writer/
*[[Billy Joel]]: "Why Should I Worry" (''Oliver & Company'', Disney animated feature) – Writer
*[[Paul Young]]: "I'm Only Fooling Myself" ("Time to Time" Album") – Writer/
*[[Jamey Johnson]]: "My Way To You" – Writer
*[[John Waite]]: "Sometimes" ("Rover" Album) – Writer/
*[[Chaka Khan]]: "Can't Stop The Street" (Top Ten Dance Single – ''Krush Groove'' soundtrack) – Writer
⚫
*[[Romeo Miller|Lil' Romeo]]: ''Hilary Duff Christmas Album'', duet on "Tell Me A Story" – Writer and producer
⚫
*[[Dan Hartman]]: ''[[I Can Dream About You (album)|I Can Dream About You]]'' album (except the title song and "Electricity") – Writer/
⚫
*[[Idina Menzel]]: Co-writing songs with Ms. Menzel and Walter Afanasieff for original musical; performs "God Save My Soul" from musical in concert; "December Prayer" – Writer on Ms. Menzel's Christmas album
⚫
*[[Lauren Christy]]: "My Spot in the World" (102 Dalmatians soundtrack Album) – Writer/
⚫
*[[Joni Mitchell]]: "How Do You Stop" (''Turbulent Indigo'' album) – Writer
⚫
*[[Hilary Duff]]: "Lizzie McGuire" Soundtrack, Writer and Producer; Hilary Duff Christmas Album ("Santa Claus Lane"), Writer & Producer; Metamorphosis Album, Writer & Producer on various songs including the hit song, "So Yesterday";
*Rvkah: Cowriter on song "Christmas Love" on her ''Love'' EP<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-29|title=RVKAH honored to collaborate with songwriter, Charlie Midnight|url=https://londondailypost.co.uk/rvkah-honored-to-collaborate-with-songwriter-charlie-midnight/|access-date=2022-01-06|website=London Daily Post|language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
*[[Romeo Miller|Lil' Romeo]]: Hilary Duff Christmas Album, duet on "Tell Me A Story" – Writer & Producer/
*[[George Thorogood]]: "American Made" – Writer/
*[[Seal (musician)|Seal]]: "How Do You Stop" (duet w/ Mitchell, "Turbulent Indigo") – Writer
*[[Sheena Easton]]: "When The Lightning Strikes Again" – Writer/
*[[Britney Spears]]: "Shadow" ''(In The Zone'' album) – Writer
⚫
*[[Paul Stanley]]: "It's Not Me" – Writer – ''Live to Win'' album
⚫
*[[2 Live Crew]]: [[Living in America (James Brown song)|"Living In America]]" - Co-Writer/
*[[Emma Stevens]]: ''To My Roots'' album (Cowriter on various songs); ''Atoms'' EP (Cowriter)<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-11-17|title=Interview: Emma Stevens – Songwriting Magazine|url=https://www.songwritingmagazine.co.uk/interviews/interview-emma-stevens,%20https://www.songwritingmagazine.co.uk/interviews/interview-emma-stevens|access-date=2022-01-06|language=en-GB}}</ref>
*[[Barbra Streisand]]: 2012 "Back To Brooklyn" tour – Writer of specialty lyrics
*[[George Thorogood]]: "American Made" – Writer
*[[John Waite]]: "Sometimes" ("Rover" Album) – Writer
⚫
*[["Weird Al" Yankovic]]: "Living With A Hernia (parody of "Living In America")
*[[Paul Young]]: "I'm Only Fooling Myself" (''Time to Time'' album) – Writer


==== Films and soundtrack albums ====
==== Films and soundtrack albums ====
*''[[Get Hard]]'' – Release Date: March 27, 2015; Starring Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart
*''[[102 Dalmatians]]'' – "My Spot<nowiki/> In The World" on soundtrack album – Writer
*''Alexander And The Very Ba''<nowiki/>''d Day'' – "Keep On Movin"" – Writer
*[[Barbershop: The Next Cut|''Barbershop 2: The Next Cu'']]<nowiki/>t - "The Healing" – Writer
*[[Barbershop: The Next Cut|''Barbershop 2: The Next Cu'']]<nowiki/>t - "The Healing" – Writer
⚫
*''[[The Bodyguard (1992 film)|The Bodyguard]]'' – "Trust In Me" (Joe Cocker/Sass Jordan) – Writer/Producer
*''[[Breakin']]'' – "Breakin'...The Heart Of The Beat" (3-V) – Writer
⚫
*''[[Bull Durham]]'' – "A Woman Loves A Man" (Joe Cocker) – Writer/Producer
*''[[Burlesque (2010 American film)|Burlesque]]'': Starring Christina Aguilera And Cher: "Welcome To Burlesque" (Artist – Cher) – Writer
*''[[Burlesque (2010 American film)|Burlesque]]'': Starring Christina Aguilera And Cher: "Welcome To Burlesque" (Artist – Cher) – Writer
⚫
*''[[Casual Sex?|Casual Sex]]?'' – "Behind Your Eyes" – Writer/Producer
*''[[Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (film)|Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs]]'': "Raining Sunshine" (Miranda Cosgrove) – Writer
*''[[Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (film)|Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs]]'': "Raining Sunshine" (Miranda Cosgrove) – Writer
*''[[Cheaper by the Dozen (2003 film)|Cheaper By The Dozen]]'': "What Christmas Should Be" (Hilary Duff)
*''[[Cheaper by the Dozen (2003 film)|Cheaper By The Dozen]]'': "What Christmas Should Be" (Hilary Duff)
*''[[The Santa Clause 2]]'' – "Santa Claus Lane" (Hilary Duff) – Writer/Producer
*''[[Come Away Home]]'' – Various Songs – Writer/Producer
⚫
*[[Desperado (film)|''Desperado'']] – "Back To The House That Love Built" (Tarantula) -Writer/ Producer
⚫
*''[[The Lizzie McGuire Movie]]'' -"Why Not" (single) (Hilary Duff)- Writer, "Girl In The Band" (Hilary Duff)- Writer/Producer "Girl In The Band"(Haley Duff)- Writer & Producer
*''[[The Bodyguard (1992 film)|The Bodyguard]]'' – "Trust In Me" (Joe Cocker/Sass Jordan) – Writer/Producer
*[[Eye of the Tiger (film)|''Eye Of The Tiger'']] – "Gravity" – Writer
⚫
*''[[Rocky IV]]'' – "Living In America" (James Brown) – Writer
⚫
*''[[Bull Durham]]'' – "A Woman Loves A Man" (Joe Cocker) – Writer/Producer
*''[[Green Street Hooligans]]'' – "One Blood" –Writer/Producer
*''[[Oliver & Company]]'' – "Why Should I Worry" (Billy Joel) – Writer
*''[[Ruthless People]]'' – "Waiting to See You" (Dan Hartman) -Writer
⚫
*''[[Harry and the Hendersons]]'' – "Love Lives On" (Joe Cocker) – Producer
*''[[Fletch (film)|Fletch]]'' – "Get Outta Town" (Dan Hartman) – Writer
*''[[Fletch (film)|Fletch]]'' – "Get Outta Town" (Dan Hartman) – Writer
*''[[Get Hard]]'' – Co-writer on the soundtrack song "The Healing"
*''[[Great Expectations (1998 film)|Great Expectations]]'' – "Walk This Earth Alone" (Lauren Christy) – Writer/Producer
*''[[Great Expectations (1998 film)|Great Expectations]]'' – "Walk This Earth Alone" (Lauren Christy) – Writer/Producer
*''[[The Jackal (1997 film)|The Jackal]]'' – "It's Over, It's Under" (DollsHead) – Writer/Producer
*''[[Green Street Hooligans]]'' – "One Blood" –Writer/Producer
⚫
*''[[Wild Things (film)|Wild Things]]'' – "I Want What I Want" (Lauren Christy) – Writer
⚫
*[[Desperado (film)|''Desperado'']] – "Back To The House That Love Built" (Tarantula) -Writer/ Producer
*''[[Gunmen (1994 film)|Gunmen]]'' – "This House" (The Cruzados) – Writer/Producer
*''[[Gunmen (1994 film)|Gunmen]]'' – "This House" (The Cruzados) – Writer/Producer
*''[[Breakin']]'' – "Breakin'...The Heart Of The Beat" (3-V) – Writer
*''[[Harry and the Hendersons]]'' – "Love Lives On" (Joe Cocker) – Producer
⚫
*''[[Iron Eagle II|Iron Eagle ll]]'' – "Gimme Some Lovin'" – Producer
*''[[The Jackal (1997 film)|The Jackal]]'' – "It's Over, It's Under" (DollsHead) – Writer/Producer
*[[Kim Possible: A Sitch in Time|''Kim Possible: A Sitch In Time'']] – "It's Just You" (LMNT) – Writer
*''[[Krush Groove]]'' – "Can't Stop The Street" (Chaka Khan) – Writer
*''[[Krush Groove]]'' – "Can't Stop The Street" (Chaka Khan) – Writer
⚫
*''[[The Santa Clause 2]]'' – "Santa Claus Lane" (Hilary Duff) – Writer/Producer
⚫
*''[[The Lizzie McGuire Movie]]'' -"Why Not" (single) (Hilary Duff)- Writer, "Girl In The Band" (Hilary Duff)- Writer/Producer "Girl In The Band"(Haley Duff)- Writer & Producer
⚫
*''[[Naomi & Wynonna: Love Can Build a Bridge]]'' – "Dream Time" – Writer
⚫
*''[[Oliver & Company]]'' – "Why Should I Worry" (Billy Joel) – Writer
*''Perfect'' – "Talking To The Wall" (Dan Hartman) – Writer
*''Perfect'' – "Talking To The Wall" (Dan Hartman) – Writer
⚫
*[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack|''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'']] – "9.95" – Writer
⚫
*[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II The Secret of the Ooze: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack|''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II'']] – "Consciousness" – Writer
*''[[Street Fighter (1994 film)|Street Fighter]]'' – "Something There" – (Chage & Aska, major Japanese recording stars)- Writer
⚫
*''[[Return to Me]]'' – "Here I Am" – Writer/Producer
*''[[102 Dalmatians]]'' – "My Spot In The World" – on Soundtrack album – Writer
*''[[Raise Your Voice]]'' – "Jericho" (Hilary Duff) – writer and producer
*''[[Raise Your Voice]]'' – "Jericho" (Hilary Duff) – writer and producer
*''[[Casual Sex?|Casual Sex]]?'' – "Behind Your Eyes" – Writer/Producer
*''[[Return to Me]]'' – "Here I Am" – Writer/Producer
⚫
*''[[Iron Eagle II|Iron Eagle ll]]'' – "Gimme Some Lovin'" – Producer
*[[Ringmaster (soundtrack)|''Ringmaster'']] – "Living in America" (2 Live Crew version) – Writer
*[[Ringmaster (soundtrack)|''Ringmaster'']] – "Living in America" (2 Live Crew version) – Writer
⚫
*''[[Come Away Home]]'' – Various Songs – Writer/Producer
⚫
*''[[Naomi & Wynonna: Love Can Build a Bridge]]'' – "Dream Time" – Writer
*''[[Rock 'n' Roll High School Forever]]'' – "Riot In The Playground" – Writer
*''[[Rock 'n' Roll High School Forever]]'' – "Riot In The Playground" – Writer
*[[Eye of the Tiger (film)|''Eye Of The Tiger'']] – "Gravity" – Writer
*''[[Rocky IV]]'' – "Living In America" (James Brown) – Writer
*[[Kim Possible: A Sitch in Time|''Kim Possible: A Sitch In Time'']] – "It's Just You" (LMNT) – Writer
*''[[Ruthless People]]'' – "Waiting to See You" (Dan Hartman) -Writer
*''Alexander And The Very Bad Day'' – "Keep On Movin"" – Writer
*''[[Street Fighter (1994 film)|Street Fighter]]'' – "Something There" – (Chage & Aska, major Japanese recording stars)- Writer
⚫
*[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack|''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'']] – "9.95" – Writer
⚫
*[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II The Secret of the Ooze: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack|''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II'']] – "Consciousness" – Writer
⚫
*''[[Wild Things (film)|Wild Things]]'' – "I Want What I Want" (Lauren Christy) – Writer


====Other writer credits====
====Other writer credits====

Revision as of 06:28, 6 January 2022

Charlie Midnight
Born1949
Brooklyn, New York, United States
GenresPop, pop rock, rock music
Occupation(s)Songwriter, record producer

Charlie Midnight (born Charles Kaufman,[1] 1949) is an American songwriter and record producer who has been nominated for the 1987 Grammy Award for Best R&B Song (Writer, "Living in America" by James Brown), two Golden Globes, and has been a producer and/or writer on several Grammy-winning albums, including The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album, Joni Mitchell's Turbulent Indigo, and Marlo Thomas & Friends: Thanks & Giving All Year Long. He also is a writer on the Barbra Streisand Grammy-Nominated, Platinum-Selling Partners album having co-written the Barbra Streisand and Andrea Bocelli duet "I Still Can See Your Face."

Early life

Midnight was born in Brooklyn, New York to Louis Leo Kaufman (1916-1993), a factory worker and World War II veteran, and Bella Hanft (1918-2012). He was raised in Bensonhurst, a working-class neighborhood, and attended Lafayette High School. He aspired to enter acting (according to his high school yearbook) or pursue poetry.[1] Before deciding to pursue music, Midnight briefly attended Brooklyn College.[1] His first musical foray was in London, England with a band before he returned a few months later to the United States. Midnight worked various jobs to support his music career, such as being employed as a suit salesman and a legal proofreader.[2][3]

Career

Initial solo career

Although primarily known as a producer and songwriter for other artists, Midnight actually began his career as a singer and musician himself.[4] He performed in several groups throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, which culminated in the release of his solo album Innocent Bystander in 1982.[3] Shortly after this album, Midnight came to the attention of famed singer-songwriter, musician and producer Dan Hartman. The two began collaborating on songwriting, forming a musical partnership that would last until Hartman's death in 1994.[5][6]

Songwriting and producing

Midnight's first producing job was the Time Bandits' 1987 album Can't Wait for Another World with Hartman as the executive producer.[2][7] He went on to produce and write songs for more than 30 films including Rocky IV,[8] The Bodyguard,[8] Bull Durham, Lizzie McGuire and Ruthless People, as well as for such varied artists as Cher, Billy Joel, Joni Mitchell, Seal, Barbra Streisand, Andrea Bocelli, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, James Brown, Chaka Khan, Joe Cocker, The Doobie Brothers, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Jamey Johnson, George Thorogood, John Waite, Hilary Duff, Dan Hartman, Paul Stanley and Paul Young.[9][10]

In 1987, Midnight was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for co-writing "Living in America", a song for which James Brown won the Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male.[11] During the same year, Midnight co-wrote two Joe Cocker songs ("Trust in Me" and "A Woman Loves a Man") for Cocker's Unchain My Heart album. In 1992, an updated version of "Trust in Me" (this time with Sass Jordan on backing vocals) was released on The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album, which won the 1994 Grammy Award for Album of the Year.[12] In 1988, he was twice nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. Firstly, for the aforementioned "A Woman Loves a Man" which was re-released in the 1988 movie Bull Durham. Secondly, for the song "Why Should I Worry?" from the 1988 Disney animated film Oliver & Company.[13] In 1994, the song "How Do You Stop"—which he co-wrote with Dan Hartman for James Brown's 1986 album Gravity—was covered by Joni Mitchell on her album Turbulent Indigo in a version that featured vocals by Seal. The album later won the 1996 Grammy Award for Best Pop Album.

In 2004, he wrote and produced "I'll Give Anything But Up" (sung by Hilary Duff) for the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Children-winning children's album Marlo Thomas & Friends: Thanks & Giving All Year Long. In 2010, Midnight co-wrote with Jamey Johnson the song "My Way To You", which appeared on the latter's album The Guitar Song (nominated in 2011 for the Grammy Award for Best Country Album). The same year, Midnight co-wrote "Welcome To Burlesque"—Cher's first song in the feature film Burlesque. Its soundtrack album won the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media.[14] In 2012, Midnight co-wrote two specialty lyrics for Barbra Streisand for her Back To Brooklyn tour on "As If We Never Said Goodbye" from Sunset Boulevard and "You're the Top" from Anything Goes.[15] During the same year, "Welcome To Burlesque" (sung by Cher and co-written by Charlie Midnight) appeared on the Grammy-Nominated Soundtrack Album "Burlesque" (Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Visual Media). In 2014, Midnight co-wrote the duet "I Still Can See Your Face" (performed by Streisand and Andrea Bocelli) for Streisand's Partners album. Partners reached No. 1, which made Streisand the only artist to have a Number One album in each of the past six different decades. Furthermore, the album was Grammy nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. In 2018, Midnight co-wrote the song "The Rain Will Fall" with Streisand, Jay Landers, and Jonas Myrin.

Continuing his success in having his songs featured in films, Midnight co-wrote the song "Keep On Movin'" (sung by Thomas Hien) for the Disney feature film Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day and co-wrote "The Healing" (performed by Gedeon Luke and the People) featured in the 2015 film Get Hard. Collaborating with Idina Menzel and Walter Afanasieff, Midnight wrote "December Prayer," for Menzel's "Holiday Wishes": Number One Billboard Holiday Album

He co-wrote the song "Big Time Rush", which served as the theme song for the hit Nickelodeon series of the same name. He also won a BMI Cable Award at the 2006 BMI Awards for the theme song to the comedy series Daisy Does America. Midnight worked with Jordyn Jones on her song, I'm Dappin'.[16] He has worked extensively as a writer and a producer for artists from all around the world. These include such notable international artists as Lin Yu-chun (Taiwan), Tata Young (Thailand), Chage and Aska (Japan), Peter Maffay and Yvonne Catterfeld (Germany), Gölä (Switzerland) Saint Lu (Austria) Time Bandits (Netherlands), El Último de la Fila (Spain), Rhydian (UK), Dodo and the Dodos (Denmark), Sahlene and Don Patrol (Sweden), Rodsogarden (Finland), Rouge (Brazil).

Artists

  • 2 Live Crew: "Living In America" - Co-Writer
  • Anastacia: "Stay" – Writer on her album Resurrection
  • Christina Aguilera: "This Year" (Christmas album My Kind of Christmas) – Writer
  • Big Time Rush: Big Time Rush theme song – Writer
  • Andrea Bocelli and Barbra Streisand duet: Writer "I Still Can See Your Face" on Ms. Streisand's number one Partners album
  • Zach Brandon: Cowriter on the song “Live and Let Live (feat. Jallal)"[17][18]
  • James Brown: "Living In America" (Gravity album)
  • Kristin Chenoweth: Happiness Is...Christmas! album – Cowrote the song "The Stories That You Told” with Jay Landers[19]
  • Cher: "Welcome To Burlesque" (Film: Burlesque) Thanksgiving 2010 release
  • Lauren Christy: "My Spot in the World" (102 Dalmatians soundtrack album) – Writer
  • Joe Cocker: Unchain My Heart album; One Night Of Sin album – Producer and writer; "Love Lives On" (Harry & The Hendersons feature film) – Producer
  • Miranda Cosgrove: "Raining Sunshine" End Title song and soundtrack album from Sony animated feature Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs - Writer
  • The Doobie Brothers: "Cycles" Album – Writer and producer of various tracks including "The Doctor" (Top Five Single); Take Me To The Highway live album – Producer of album, writer of various tracks
  • Hilary Duff: Lizzie McGuire soundtrack, Writer and producer; Hilary Duff Christmas Album ("Santa Claus Lane"), Writer and producer; Metamorphosis album, Writer and producer on various songs including the hit song, "So Yesterday"
  • Sheena Easton: "When The Lightning Strikes Again" – Writer
  • Kendra Erika: Cowriter on the song "Song Of Hope”[20]
  • Natalie Gelman: Streetlamp Musician – Writer and producer
  • Dan Hartman: I Can Dream About You album (except the title song and "Electricity") – Writer
  • Natalie Imbruglia: "Outside Looking In" – Writer
  • Billy Joel: "Why Should I Worry" (Oliver & Company, Disney animated feature) – Writer
  • Jamey Johnson: "My Way To You" – Writer
  • Chaka Khan: "Can't Stop The Street" (Top Ten Dance Single – Krush Groove soundtrack) – Writer
  • Lil' Romeo: Hilary Duff Christmas Album, duet on "Tell Me A Story" – Writer and producer
  • Idina Menzel: Co-writing songs with Ms. Menzel and Walter Afanasieff for original musical; performs "God Save My Soul" from musical in concert; "December Prayer" – Writer on Ms. Menzel's Christmas album
  • Joni Mitchell: "How Do You Stop" (Turbulent Indigo album) – Writer
  • Rvkah: Cowriter on song "Christmas Love" on her Love EP[21]
  • Seal: "How Do You Stop" (duet w/ Mitchell, "Turbulent Indigo") – Writer
  • Britney Spears: "Shadow" (In The Zone album) – Writer
  • Paul Stanley: "It's Not Me" – Writer – Live to Win album
  • Emma Stevens: To My Roots album (Cowriter on various songs); Atoms EP (Cowriter)[22]
  • Barbra Streisand: 2012 "Back To Brooklyn" tour – Writer of specialty lyrics
  • George Thorogood: "American Made" – Writer
  • John Waite: "Sometimes" ("Rover" Album) – Writer
  • "Weird Al" Yankovic: "Living With A Hernia (parody of "Living In America")
  • Paul Young: "I'm Only Fooling Myself" (Time to Time album) – Writer

Films and soundtrack albums

Other writer credits

Year Artist Song Album Notes
1984 Dan Hartman "We Are the Young"
"Shy Hearts"
"I'm Not a Rolling Stone"
"Rage to Live"
"Name of the Game"
"Power of a Good Love"
"Second Nature"
"I Can't Get Enough" 		I Can Dream About You
3V "Heart of the Beat" Breakin' soundtrack
1985 Chaka Khan "(Krush Groove) Can't Stop The Street" Krush Groove soundtrack
Dan Hartman "Get Outta Town" Fletch soundtrack
"Talking to the Wall" Perfect soundtrack
Sheena Easton "When the Lightning Strikes Again" Do You
1986 Dan Hartman "Waiting to See You" Ruthless People soundtrack
James Brown "Living in America" Gravity
1987 John Waite "Sometimes" Rover's Return
Joe Cocker "A Woman Loves a Man"
"Trust in Me"
"Satisfied" 		Unchain My Heart Writer and album co-producer.
1988 Dan Hartman "Behind Your Eyes" Casual Sex? soundtrack
The Insiders "Gimme Some Lovin'" Iron Eagle II soundtrack
Billy Joel "Why Should I Worry?" Oliver & Company soundtrack
1989 The Doobie Brothers "The Doctor"
"Take Me to the Highway" 		Cycles Co-writer and album co-producer.
Joe Cocker "Letting Go"
"Bad Bad Sign" 		One Night of Sin Writer and album producer.
"Love Lives On" Harry and the Hendersons soundtrack Co-producer.
1990 Spunkadelic "9.95" Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
1991 Dan Hartman "(That's Your) Consciousness" Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II The Secret of the Ooze: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Paul Young "I'm Only Fooling Myself" From Time to Time – The Singles Collection
Corey Feldman & The Eradicators "Riot in the Playground" Rock 'n' Roll High School Forever
Quarterflash "Diamonds in the Rough" Girl in the Wind Writer and producer.
1992 Joe Cocker featuring Sass Jordan "Trust in Me" The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album Writer and producer.
1994 Cruzados "This House" Gunmen soundtrack Writer and producer.
Chage and Aska "Something There" Street Fighter soundtrack English lyrics.
Joni Mitchell "How Do You Stop" Turbulent Indigo Cover of the 1986 song by James Brown.
1995 Tito & Tarantula "Back to the House That Love Built" Desperado: The Soundtrack Co-writer and co-producer.
1995 The Bonnevilles "Dream Time" Naomi & Wynonna: Love Can Build a Bridge soundtrack
1997 Dollshead "It's Over, It's Under" The Jackal soundtrack Writer and producer.
1998 Lauren Christy "I Want What I Want" Wild Things soundtrack
"Walk This Earth Alone" Great Expectations soundtrack
1999 2 Live Crew "Living in America" Ringmaster soundtrack Cover version of the James Brown hit song.
2000 Joey Gian "Here I Am" Return To Me soundtrack
Lauren Christy "My Spot in the World" 102 Dalmatians soundtrack
Christina Aguilera "This Year" My Kind of Christmas
2002 Hilary Duff "Santa Claus Lane"
"I Heard Santa on the Radio" (with Christina Milian)
"When the Snow Comes Down in Tinseltown"
"Tell Me a Story (About the Night Before)" (with Lil' Romeo)
"Same Old Christmas" (featuring Haylie Duff) 		Santa Claus Lane Co-writer and co-producer.
2003 George Thorogood & The Destroyers "American Made" Ride 'Til I Die
Britney Spears "Shadow" In The Zone
LMNT "It's Just You" Kim Possible soundtrack
Haylie Duff "Girl in the Band" The Lizzie McGuire Movie soundtrack Co-writer and co-producer.
Hilary Duff "Why Not"
"So Yesterday"
"Workin' It Out"
"Where Did I Go Right?"
"The Math"
"Love Just Is"
"Metamorphosis"
"Why Not" 		Metamorphosis Co-writer and co-producer.
"What Christmas Should Be" Cheaper by the Dozen soundtrack
2004 Hilary Duff "Weird"
"Hide Away"
"Dangerous to Know"
"Who's That Girl?"
"Cry""Haters"
"Rock This World"
"Jericho" 		Hilary Duff Co-writer and co-producer.
2005 Various — Come Away Home soundtrack Music supervisor.
Terence Jay "One Blood" Green Street soundtrack Writer and producer.
2009 Miranda Cosgrove "Raining Sunshine" Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs soundtrack
2010 Big Time Rush "Big Time Rush" BTR
Jamey Johnson "My Way To You"[23] The Guitar Song
Cher "Welcome To Burlesque" Burlesque: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
2013 Barbra Streisand "As If We Never Said Goodbye"
"You're the Top" 		Back to Brooklyn Co-wrote specialty lyrics.
2016 Miggs "Be Good to Yourself" and other songs Miggs: The EP Writer and producer.[24]

Television credits

Year Name Song Artist Notes
1995 Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child (Ep. "Hansel and Gretel") (HBO) "Los Ninos Deliciosos" Rosie Perez
1995 Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child (Ep. "Rapunzel") (HBO) "Hoodoo Diva" Whoopi Goldberg
1995 Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child (Ep. "Sleeping Rosita") (HBO) "Que Es Esto"
"Good Fairies Song" 		Carmen Zapata
Vanessa Marquez
2005 Daisy Does America (TBS) "Daisy Does America" — Main theme.
2009–2013 Big Time Rush (Nickelodeon) "Big Time Rush" Big Time Rush Main theme.

Nominations

Writings

  • Deserve's Got Nothing to Do With It: Five Elements That Will Help You Survive Your Emotional Journey to Success (2021). Virginia: Mascot Books. ISBN 9781684018352. In the book, Midnight mentions writing the screenplay Boulevard and the Beast—which was never released as a film.
  • "The Tire Iron" (2021). Calliope on the Web, Winter 2021–Issue 170.[29]

Personal life

Midnight and his wife Susanna have a daughter, Shantie.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c Gervais, Gabrielle. "BWW Interview: Charlie Midnight: The Man Behind the Music!". BWW Music World. Wisdom Digital Media. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c Midnight, Charlie (2021). Deserve's Got Nothing to Do With It: Five Elements That Will Help You Survive Your Emotional Journey to Success. United States: Mascot Books. ISBN 9781684018352.
  3. ^ a b Charlie Midnight interview originally retrieved from danhartman.com Archived October 22, 2013, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  4. ^ Ngo, Sheiresa (May 6, 2020). "Music Producer Charlie Midnight Tells Us What It Takes to Be a Successful Musical Artist". Showbiz Cheat Sheet. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
  5. ^ Ngo, Sheiresa; Articles, More; May 13, 2020 (May 14, 2020). "Music Producer Charlie Midnight's Thoughts on 'American Idol,' How He Knew He 'Made It,' and His Advice to New Artists". Showbiz Cheat Sheet. Retrieved August 29, 2020. {{cite web}}: |first3= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ Gervais, Gabrielle. "BWW Interview: Charlie Midnight: The Man Behind the Music!". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  7. ^ Time Bandits – We'll Be Dancing (1987, Vinyl), retrieved December 30, 2021
  8. ^ a b Bessman, Jim (May 15, 2004). "Famous strikes Midnight", Billboard 116 (20): 67.
  9. ^ "Episode #215 – Charlie Midnight". THE PAUL LESLIE HOUR. February 20, 2019. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  10. ^ "Episode 244 - Charlie Midnight - The Hustle". Poddtoppen (in Swedish). Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  11. ^ Flick, L. (1994). Dan Hartman dies at 43. Billboard, 106(15), 26.
  12. ^ "Deep 10: Whitney Houston's The Bodyguard — Original Soundtrack". GRAMMY.com. May 15, 2017. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  13. ^ "Charlie Midnight". www.goldenglobes.com. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  14. ^ "Christina Aguilera". GRAMMY.com. November 19, 2019. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  15. ^ Barbra Streisand – Back to Brooklyn at AllMusic. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  16. ^ YouTube
  17. ^ "Zach Brandon Releases Video for New Single, "Live and Let Live (feat. Jallal)" | Prelude Press". Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  18. ^ Ngo, Sheiresa (May 6, 2020). "Music Producer Charlie Midnight Tells Us What It Takes to Be a Successful Musical Artist". Showbiz Cheat Sheet. Retrieved January 6, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. ^ LeBlanc, Larry (May 24, 2021). "Interview: A&R Exec Jay Landers". CelebrityAccess. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  20. ^ "Interview with Kendra Erika". BRINGIN' IT BACKWARDS. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  21. ^ "RVKAH honored to collaborate with songwriter, Charlie Midnight". London Daily Post. August 29, 2021. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  22. ^ "Interview: Emma Stevens – Songwriting Magazine". November 17, 2013. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  23. ^ The Guitar Song album
  24. ^ Miggs: The EP - Miggs | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, retrieved December 30, 2021
  25. ^ Rock On The Net : 29th Grammy Awards – 1987 Retrieved November 2, 2014.
  26. ^ a b Golden Globes Awards Official Website – Best Original Song – Motion Picture Retrieved November 2, 2014.
  27. ^ Charlie Midnight – Awards – IMDb.com Retrieved November 2, 2014.
  28. ^ 2006 BMI Film & Television Awards Retrieved November 2, 2014.
  29. ^ Midnight, Charlie (2021). "The Tire Iron". Calliope on the Web. Retrieved December 30, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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