The Early Years

Joseph Michael is a native of San Jose, California.  Influenced by his brother Johnny, mother Lilian Olivera, to the world of music at the young age of seven, he received his first guitar and started playing music. By the age of eight he started taking guitar lessons all the way through Junior High. 

When he turned sixteen he decided to take vocal lessons  from Jim Bruno of Guitar Showcase and at the same time was encouraged to take keyboard lessons from local musicians.

Joseph was one of the few who got accepted to take vocal lessons from Ms. Judy Davis at the age of 27.  Ms. Davis was known for her great achievement in giving vocal lessons to various well known artists such as Steve Perry, Barbara Streisand, Mel Tormei and Eddie Money.

Inspiration  

Joseph's style of music was mostly influenced by genius musicians, bands such as Peter Gabriel, Genesis, Rush, Camel, UK, Asia, Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin, Journey and Foreigner.

Music Achievement

Throughout the years he played with a few bands who played rock and progressive rock type of music, he was always the front man.  Some of the band he played with in the past are OPUS WAKE (founded by Bobby Day, Steve Burge), VISION, The BRIAN GROUP, REZIN and had the opportunity to work with Bass Player Keith Turner of QUASAR and Keyboardist Alvek of RELIC.

Like many other musicians there comes a time when you want to try different forms/style of music which gives him the freedom to express his views and thoughts about the world, people without having to conform to band members who wants a song melody or lyrics a certain way.

Moving Forward

Joseph is in the process of finishing his CD, self-titled "JOSEPH MICHAEL R" and also working on re-releasing his old recordings titled "DILIGENTDOVE DREAMING".