Seniors Meeting Seniors Presents

Early Talent: Michael Preddy discovered the piano at age three, deciding that tickling the ivories was more fun than tickling his teddy bear. By five, he was playing gospel music; by ten, classical sonatas. At 14, he formed his first band. At 16, he won the Texas-Oklahoma Young Artist Competition, and at 17, he made his Carnegie Recital Hall debut.

Education & Early Career: Michael earned his Master of Music degree at the University of Houston, studying with Abbey Simon and Albert Hirsch. During this time, he also performed with headliners such as Pia Zadora, Vicki Carr, Tony Martin, and Cyd Charisse, while continuing to perform with his own bands.

The Smothers Brothers Years: In 1981, Tom and Dick Smothers discovered Michael on tour in Texas, beginning what became a 20-year collaboration. He conducted their orchestra while accompanying them on piano, appearing with the duo on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Saturday Night Live, The Dolly Parton Show, Showtime specials, and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Onstage, he showed both versatility and humor—once playing Chopin’s Minute Waltz while Tom danced with a yo-yo on the piano lid. Michael also conducted major orchestras for Smothers Brothers symphony shows, including the Boston Pops, Minnesota Orchestra, Houston Symphony Pops, and Dallas Symphony.

Solo Work & Recent Highlights: Michael has returned to Carnegie Recital Hall and conducted at the Hollywood Bowl. He created and debuted his one-man show, What Makes the Piano Grand!, blending humor, storytelling, and performance to both entertain and educate audiences of all ages. He has also served as music director for productions such as Children of Eden at the Conejo Players and arranged/recorded a new CD for singer-songwriter Lenny Welch, best known for Since I Fell for You.