Michael Kevin Daugherty is an American composer, pianist, and teacher. He is influenced by popular culture, Romanticism, and Postmodernism, and is one of the most widely performed American concert music composers of his generation. Daugherty's notable works include his Superman comic book-inspired Metropolis Symphony for Orchestra, Dead Elvis for Solo Bassoon and Chamber Ensemble, Jackie O, Niagara Falls for Symphonic Band, UFO for Solo Percussion and Orchestra and for Symphonic Band, Bells for Stokowski from Philadelphia Stories for Orchestra and for Symphonic Band, Fire and Blood for Solo Violin and Orchestra inspired by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, Time Machine for Three Conductors and Orchestra, Ghost Ranch for Orchestra, and Deus ex Machina for Piano and Orchestra. Daugherty has been described by The Times as "a master icon maker" with a "maverick imagination, fearless structural sense and meticulous ear." Currently, Daugherty is Professor of Composition at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michael Daugherty?s music is published by Peermusic Classical, Boosey & Hawkes, and since 2010, Michael Daugherty Music/Bill Holab Music. 

April 28th, 1954 in Cedar Rapids (Age 70)