These interviews should be in the Library of Congress

This guy is 79 years old this year and still sharp as a tack. Good on him. Excellent interview.

I love how Rick actually listens to his guests and lets them talk.

70 minutes you held my attention with the story of a man I'd never heard of but who single-handedly shaped the soundtrack of my youth. Thankyou.

I was a “runner” at Lighthouse Studios in CA back in 1990. Michael Omartian was there producing some artist for a few days. Those few days were the fondest memories I have of my one year working at this studio. Unlike everyone else that came through there, Michael was truly down to earth and treated everyone (including the lowest on the totem pole “the runner”) equally and decently. So here’s my chance to say thanks 34 years later. God bless you dude.

I played with Chris Cross in high school, and we hadn't seen each other for 10 years. When Chris was ready to go on the road, my name was mentioned, and Chris said, yea, give Hank a call. I got these lame charts to look over, and I asked his manager "Can I get the pre-release tapes?", and he gave them to me. I am a jazzer, and I transcribe all the time. The intro to Sailing was this rich arrangement. It's open stacked 6ths, which is a stellar idea for strings, and it's got a backwards circle of fifths progression of parallel minor 7th chords reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix's Little Wing...a really creative idea, Michael! I worked it out, and on the audition I nailed it. I remember Chris came over and said "How'd you do that?" I was hired immediately. Michael Omartian didn't mention it but he got a Grammy for Best String Arrangement for Sailing. Chris, and Tommy, and Andy, and James, we're all still great friends. Kudos, Rick, to a definitive interview!

Thé Michael Omartian interview was sensational. His comment about our limitations being a major part of creativity were truly profound. What a fine person.

One of the more interesting interviews I've ever listened to. Love to hear all the Steely Dan stories from all the hired guns.

Mr. Omartian isn't just a brilliant musician, but a gifted storyteller, too. Thank You for another hour of joy, Rick.

Whoever mic'd up the piano for this interview should win a Grammy.

Another class act. Just being chosen to be part of the Steely Dan experience speaks volumes.

I became aware of Michael when I read his name on a Cat Stevens record in the 70's. Such a genius and down-to-earth cool cat! Love these interviews, Rick!

Rick Beato is providing IMHO an invaluable service and becoming a musicology historian with these interviews. I'm 60 years old and have played guitar for 40 years and am a huge Steely Dan fan not mention all of my heroes (Beck, Clapton, Page, SRV etc.) and this interview was so fascinating and informative for me. I had no idea who Omartian was and he was so humble and unassuming. What an amazing guy and musician. Rick, keep doing what you're doing. You are a treasure and we need this documenting of our musical history in all its forms. Bravo sir.

Possibly the best use of my time. Rick has the ability to attract the giants of the music industry and tell a story that keeps you glued to your seat. Beato over Netflix any day.

OMG! This video had me googling musicians off and on for the first 28 minutes. Then at minute 29 I fell into a Steely Dan rabbit hole that lasted 2 hours. It took concerted effort to stop and return to this video. It easily could have gone on until the middle of night. It would have ended only due to sheer exhaustion and my journey would have still felt incomplete and unrequited. The cornucopia of amazing famous musicians that came in and out of Fagen and Becker’s orbit is mind-blowing. Jeez, Wayne Shorter, Larry Carlton and Steve Gadd all on one song. That Shorter sax and Gadd drum ‘duel’ on Aja is beyond hyperbole. Fagen and Becker were just flat out musical geniuses. I concur that Fagens solo album, Nightfly, is great. R.I.P. Walter. Another brilliantly entertaining interview. Another wonderful look into the layers and nooks and crannies of the history and craft of music. As usual providing fascinating insight and heightened appreciation for laymen and pro musicians alike. Thank you Rick for another highly satisfying music lesson.

I first heard Michael when I was kid. It was him & his wife. They were really big in the Christian Music scene. Had I known he played with most of my favorite artists I would have liked them more if possible!!! What a awesome history! WOW!!! Just WOW! Great interview Rick!!!

This is one of the unparralled giants in the entire music industry. I had the privilege of working with Michael on two albums he produced on me in the early ‘90’s! Working with him was one of the truly humbling and highest honirs of my life! So great you featured him here. Amazing interview!

The interview I didn’t know I wanted to hear with the guy I never knew I was listening to. 👍

I first became familiar with the name Michael Omartian when I researched who played the incredible piano parts in "Your Mama Don't Dance" and found out that it was him. Have learned so much more about this legend. Thank you, Rick!

So this is the actual piano player on the Aja track?! I always wondered my entire life what the intimate details of this session were. And Rick dug deeper than anybody ever could ever ask, here. I can't get enought of these stories of session lore. A brilliant interview of the Pianist, Producer, & gifted Session Veteran Micheal Omartian, Rick!

Wow. Did not expect this. Michael Omartian is just brilliant, one of the great legends of music.

This has probably already been mentioned but Rick is an excellent interviewer. He knows the subject, he knows when to ask the questions, and he especially knows when to listen.

Thank you so much for this interview. For over 50 years I have been a big fan of Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina's work. Had lunch today listening to their second album. Now I understand some of the background of what made those albums so great. Michael Omartian.

You are one excellent interviewer: qualified enough to talk shop on their level, great probing questions, you don’t make it about you… I rarely will spend an hour on these but you and Michael got me here!

“It’s the limitations that make the artist, not the capabilities.” That blew my mind, so brilliant!

I'm just an average Joe, 62 years old, who doesn't play any instruments, and I grew up with so much of the stuff I hear on this channel. Thank you so much for all your interviews, I have learned so much, wow, these guys have some interesting anecdotes.

Ha Rick, I just discovered you interviewed the great, yet somewhat obscure brilliant & influential Michael Omartian ! This is gonna be a great interview, I can't wait but it's 1:30 am & pillow time. Just let me say Michael's a FAB artist in his own right - give his double album "White Horse / Adam Again" a good listen - you'll see his musical brilliance. I can't thank you enough for interviewing this humble man of God & integrity filled music producer !

Rick's channel is so good it's interfering with my life. I have work to do today, and I just cannot shut off this interview with Michael Omartian. An absolute gem.

43:37 Quote of the video: _"It's the limitations that make the artist, it's not the capabilities"_ WOW, so true, so true. Another superlative interview Rick, keep it up !!

There are very few people who can facilitate an interview like this. Kudos to you, Rick.

Michael, Rick. This interview is like jumping into a time machine and being right there as the greatest music ever is being made. Thank you for the Journey and man what a trip. Cheers

Now I have another dimension into Steely Dan music which I dearly love. Great interview and much appreciated!

At min 53 you wake up to this idea that Rick Beato is every one of us - listening along with another mythic hero type - with the sneakers even - and he's any one of us. He just faked us out for 50 minutes with his level of preparation, professionalism, top shelf acumen. Living the dream. Thx man

I can hardly believe what I just saw. I saw this on my watch list, turned it on and sat listening. I didn't blink. Michael is an amazing treasure and you got the opportunity to interview him. He is such a humble man and very willing to share his knowledge and stories. This was a wonderful time. I grew up like you Rick listening to the artist he was producing and playing session work on. Thanks Rick and Michael for getting together to do this interview. I went to MTSU and was in the music and rim (recording industry management) departments. I apologize for the kid that said he didn't like Steely Dan. I can only say he missed out on some magical times in music.

Now... I realize... a little bit (!) of what drew me to Steely Dan so strongly! You could just listen to their albums over and over and always hear something new, each time!! I'm a harmony guy at heart yet Michael's piano is probably the "hook" that really grabbed my brain. FanTAStic interview. Thank you so much, Rick.

It's amazing to me to see what was happening in the 80's when I was in my childish world as a young adult. I see a man like Omartian, who clearly had just natural talent that I never had, and compare that to where I have gone as a guitarist. No comparison. The understanding of music is so second nature to him that I keep my guitar between my little narrow walls! The various artists that he mentions all touched my life. But Steely Dan was my favorite. They never ditched jazz when Rock and Roll was in vogue, and even made it relevant. Omartian's blending of genres like country, jazz, blues and rock was the work of a professional. This conversation was extremely insightful to me. Thank you to both of you.

Easily one of my favorite Rick Beato videos. I could listen to guys like Michael Omartian talk all day. Congratulations on your success that has given you (and us!) the opportunity to hear from the people who contributed to so much of our musical culture. ❤

I just love when Rick's guest, no matter who it maybe, is able to play on the spot 👌 parts of the songs that millions of people have enjoyed for decades.

The creator of one of the Greatest songs ever, JEREMIAH, in the 70's. It is a Bible based lyrics, pure Funk song, with the best Trumpet Solo ever played in that genre. I was dumbfounded the first time I heard that sound in the mid 70's. He is GENIUS!

Michael goes way back and was force to be reckoned with. He put out some very fine Christian albums with his wife Stormie featured on vocals as well. But I only wish there was time to unpack his work with Loggins and Messina, again not as well known but excellent stuff from the early 70’s. GREAT INTERVIEW!

Hearing those records cracked open for us is really emotional. That era of records is a real touchpoint for many of us of a certain age.

I could listen to Michael Omartian talk about Steely Dan forever. They instilled themselves into my musical psyche from the first. The fact he played such a huge role in how their music is constructed is no surprise. Donald Fagan is a perfectionist. He wants to commit to record what his mind conceives. Michael Omartian was a large part of making that happen. ~Thanks for another great interview. 👍

How can you not absolutely LOVE Michael Omartian. So talented, so humble, so aware of how if you're open to the universe connecting through you, it will happen. A wonderfully uplifting and inspiring interview. It's also nice to see a genuinely "nice guy" have had so much success. Thank you Rick for bringing us all this interview.

All your interviews are great, but THIS ONE takes the cake for me! Thank You!

I met Michael Omartian in 1969 and spent a couple of weeks with him in sessions in 1972 so that makes this my favorite Rick Beato interview. 😊

I rarely comment on videos; but this is so impactful. I grew up on Omartian's music: the Christian artists he produced; the records he made with his wife, Steely Dan... everything. So great to hear the stories and to see he is doing great. Thank you Rick!

The blessing was shared by all of us. 🙏Thank you both!

This is such a great interview..... I had to watch it a second time! Omartian is so f-ing interesting, so naturally talented yet humble, and a wealth of knowledge and background stories. I just love it! Thank you for a great interview!

I used to work at a gas station. The owner was a twenty year Marine veteran. Every once in a while another Marine veteran from WWII would come to the station and they would tell stories from their past in the Marines. I would always be mesmerized by their stories. It was amazing how they did things without the conveniences we have now. Listening to Rick's interviews give me the same feelings I would get listening to those two veterans. These are awesome.

Wow. This guy was one of the most amazing players, producers, songwriters, etc. of all my life. His CCM works were also sadly very underrated. GREAT job getting with Michael! Such a superstar!

I’ve said this before, but Rick is a brilliant interviewer of musicians. He understands how they think and can speak their language. But his greatest skill is asking intelligent questions and then just letting them talk. Another great interview, Rick!

Gentleman - thank you thank you thank you. What a fantastic time I had watching this episode. Like spending a lovely evening with good friends.

Another grand slam. I've been listening to him my whole life but I've never even seen him. I wish this interview was three times as long. What an incredible musician and extraordinarily cool human. These interviews will be in the library of congress!

This interview is unbelievably good! So glad Michael Omartian is getting the props he deserves. Way to go Rick!

Rick, nobody does what you do. As a lover and student of music with years of playing and producing, you ask the questions that very few can even know to ask. Sting, Peter, Perdy, Chris, Michael, Jimmy, George, Joe, Brad, Seal, and dozens of others, and now Omar talking about one of my ALL time favorite albums. Thank you, Rick, your channel is like a Clubhouse where all the best musicians hang out. Blessings

Rick, thank you SO much for this blockbuster interview with “Omar.” I was knocked out by his album White Horse in 1974 (50 years ago!) and followed his career as a CCM producer. I learned a lot, and my admiration and appreciation for him (and you) continues to grow. These stories are priceless. P.S. I highly recommend 2 of his albums: White Horse and The Race, as exemplars of his genius.

"The limitations make the artist" immediately brought to mind the Joni Mitchel line "weighing the beauty and the imperfection ". Exactly!

This is one of the interviews I have been waiting to see. I am so glad it's happened! I can hardly wait to finish this video! Now if Rick Beato could interview Phil Keaggy, that would be 😲

This channel probably has become the most important and relevant musical content in the last 20 years. Amazing interview, amazingly produced, the right questions, etc . Congratulations to the team

Wow..SUCH a fun an interesting interview! Thank you so much, Rick, for taking the time to document the pillars of the music industry. Really great stuff!

I'll never forget Michael. There was a Keith Green concert scheduled in Portland, Oregon. Keith was tragically killed in a plane crash shortly before the scheduled concert in Portland. Michael Omartian came in and put on a concert with his wife and Melody Green. Amazing musician! ...also to be able to do this in a very emotional time!

It was my fantasy when I was growing up to be Omar's apprentice. The man is a legend! AND he loves Jesus!

Dude, that was seriously one of the best. I had no idea how much Mike had done.

Your interviews are actually historically important for the music industry and so interesting to me, born in the 60s and bought up on this music. It’s so cool that you can bring to us some of the talented people in front of and behind those amazing songs we heard growing up.

Amazing how Rick keeps an appreciation smile throughout every single word of Mr Omartian...unbelievable interview Rick. Thank you Mr Omartian for sharing so much value

I spent over 10 years in the Christian Music business back in the 80s and Michael Omartian was HUGE. This was such a joy to watch him being interviewed by such an accomplished producer. This channel gets better with every upload. Thank you so much for sharing this, Rick! 🙏

One of the best interviews I've ever seen! I had no clue that Michael Omartian played on and produced such great albums. What a musician! What a guy! God bless you both.

I've always had an ear for music of all genres but to hear the science behind creating masterpieces is like a kid being in a candyshop!! Thank you Rick!!!

Such a humble, authentic, kind hearted, and talented man! So great to hear all the amazing stories behind these iconic recordings! Thank you Rick!!! You are a treasure to the music community!

Thank you. Mr. Omartian's work has been part of the lives of everyone watching this, but for many of us this is the first time we've seen him or heard him speak.

The piano sound on the set is perfect. Once more, great lighting, voice tracking and interview! You are the man, Rick!

Fantastic interview. The song Rikki Don't Lose That Number was one of the favorite songs of my childhood. It was years later before I truly understand the greatness that was Steely Dan. This interview is just icing on the cake. Thanks, Rick Beato!

This was a dynamite interview! I first heard of Michael Omartian from his work with 2nd Chapter Of Acts and other Christian artists plus was very impressed by his solo albums “White Horse” and “Adam Again” in the mid 70’s.

I believe what we have here is a standing ovation!

Fantastic! How blessed are we all to watch this? Thank you, Rick! Michael, loads of respect to you. ❤❤❤❤

Rick, you are an absolute genius. I have watched a number of your interviews and this is the absolute pinnacle (so far), Michael’s recollection is so in the moment and vivid he brings it all back to this moment in time. He was involved in so much of the music I treasured as I grew up. I just couldn’t pause the interview for one moment it was gem after gem. I am so grateful to you for this experience.

Rick, this is by far one of my favorite interviews. You guys nailed it. You ask the questions that some interviewers wouldn't even go near. But there is a comfort level that musicians have with you, like speaking to a brother. Well done.

It's a joy to see how much more polished and professional Rick has become with these remarkable interviews. The lighting, audio quality, camera angles, and Rick's relaxed yet energetic and enthusiastic engagement with and appreciation for these talented individuals is top notch. Great job.

I'm sitting here trying not to cry because the two of you are putting into words things I've felt and understood about music, specifically Steely Dan, that I never thought could even be described. Moreover, ya'll're providing insight into the creation of these masterpieces, illuminating pieces of process, industry and artistry that I see mirrored in my own life experience. Thank both of you so much!

Fantastic Rick, thank you. These interviews are becoming documentary evidence of the greatest characters behind the soundtrack of our lives. Amazing stories.

Holy cow! This deserves a part two. So many artists he’s worked with. There has to be more stories to uncover!

I’ve been a fan of Omartian since the 70s. He had a number of his own albums that are great and still stand the test of time (White Horse, Adam Again, etc.) - I have original copies but I’m sure they can be found somewhere - worth a listen to really see his own musicality

Nice to hear Michael Omartian's story. Back when Chris Cross's debut album hit the airwaves..I was over at David Foster's Malibu studio and asked him why he didn't produce it. He said that when he reviewed The CC demo tapes he just didn't get hear it. But he said Michael Omartian did and he made something great out of it. I think it was one of the top sounds of the early 1980's.

A wonderful interview with a spectacular musician. I live Omartian's solo projects too, some superb music making. And he still is as sharp as ever!

Hearing from Michael was amazing. Steely Dan is one of my favs and "Ricki Don't Lose My Number" really grabbed me even as a teenager. "It doesn't sound good if you hit all the notes at once, I can tell you that." Brought tears to my eyes with laughter about that iconic transition.

that's the music I lived for those days. Makes my heart sing to watch him explaining Aja in its incredible complexity. Mr. Omartian is such a genius, gentle man and great storyteller. Enjoyed every minute.

This is the BEST channel to learn about music, past, present, and future.

Omar is genuinely one of the kindest people you will ever meet and Stormie is even more so. Great family. ❤️

I have sooooo much been hoping and waiting for this interview!! I worked for Michael back in the late 90's as a studio tech, and I have always cherished those times hanging out with him in his studio. He is every bit as gracious and cool of a dude ('Dude!') as he appears here. I was working on his console one day when he comes by and says "Dude, you want a slice of pie?" -- referring the Lou Malnati's pizza he'd just had shipped from Chicago. So he and I sat in his kitchen enjoying some of our favorite Chicago food. Great memories! As I go back and listen to my favorite music from my youth (70's and 80's), I am constantly amazed how much of it that he either played on or produced -- or both. Thanks Rick, for being such a great interviewer and for bringing the musical genius of Michael to more folks' attention!

This guy has made growing up in the 60’s and 70’s so much richer. I have always been a huge fan of Steely Dan and Christopher Cross! I graduated HS in 1979 and had a great stereo when I went off to college. And would blast all of these albums. Not sure my Dormitory neighbours Appreciated it like I did but they were always asking to borrow my records. Thank you for a great interview!!

This interview, in my opinion, is one of the best you’ve done since I started watching your channel. Hearing stories from someone who has firsthand knowledge about working with the best artists in the music business. Thank you.

Thank you Rick so very much for this wonderful and informative interview with Micheal Omartian. I was in high school in the seventies when I listened to all of these great classic songs as a musician playing in bands with a lot of great memories too. I also very much deeply appreciate this great insight to all of the stories, musicians and the awesome studio productions and techniques that took place as well. This really made my day. Thank you again!

Michael's arrangement of 4Him's song "The Love of God" brought tears everytime. Got to know his work since the 80's from Rod Stewart to The Imperials. Bless you Mr. Omartian!

Sir, you are on a ROLL.. I am a lay listener in your age bracket whose formative and adult years were shaped by the same pantheon of artists that you have had the privilege of interviewing. These conversations are PURE GOLD, Bar None. Much Respect and thank you for bringing them to us. KEEP THEM COMING..

The guy is almost eighty years old, unbelievable.

You are doing the worlds music community a great service. I am so moved by these wonderful interviews.

What a wonderful man. Incredibly talented, humble and graceful. Thank you, Rick.

No clicks on SD is why they sound so organic and natural.

Thank you both, Michael Omartian and Rick; I appreciated every minute of your discussion and what a delight to hear Michael play some of those indelibly lovely phrases. The captivating symphonic score that "accidentally" opens the track due to a tape machine misfire, or whatever, was not of this world.

Thank you, Rick, for introducing me to fellow Armenian Michael. He's a very interesting guy. Amazing the work that he's done and been involved in.