Forms a baroque rock band (1967)

Michael’s first band was formed with Marty Fulterman (later Mark Snow) and was called Emil and the Detectives. They soon joined forces with fellow Julliard student Dorian Rudnitsky and two rock musicians Brian Corrigan and Clif Nivison to form The New York Rock and Roll Ensemble

Their music integrated rock sensibilities with classical instruments, training, tuxedos and some majorly new ideas of how to combine them. They were some of the first musicians to challenge the boundaries between popular and classical music in quite such a way.

Ahmet Ertegun signed the band to Atlantic records immediately after their first gig.

They went on to release multiple singles and albums together.