Michael Lasser, long-time host of the nationally syndicated music show Fascinatin’ Rhythm (formerly Anyhing Goes) passed away on Tue, July 22, 2025 at age 89. Listen to this obit produced by Brenda Tremblay above.
Mike grew up just across the Hudson in New Jersey at a time when Broadway was still Broadway, and kids, parents, and grandparents could all sing the same songs. He was a broadcaster, lecturer, writer, critic and teacher. He authored five books about the Great American Songbook. His most recent, Say It with a Beautiful Song: The Art and Craft of the Great American Songbook was published in 2024 with co-author Harmon Greenblatt. Listen to the Sep 11, 2024 interview on Connections with Evan Dawson where Mike, Greenblatt and long-time musical collaborator Alan Jones discuss American Song.
A graduate of Dartmouth College, he taught English at the Upper School of The Harley School for 32 years (1966 to 1998). In 1994, Fascinatin’ Rhythm won a prestigious George Foster Peabody Award, and, in 2010, he was named a Thomas P. Johnson Distinguished Visiting Scholar at Rollins College.
Mike’s long-time producer Dave Sluberski shared this memory of working with Lasser.
For years Mike traveled the country with the duo of pianist Alan Jones and singer Cindy Miller, sharing his knowledge of and their passion for the American Songbook. Upon Mike’s passing, Cindy shared this:
Singing and performing with Michael was one of the greatest honors of my life. His incredibly vast knowledge of the American Songbook and his passion for every aspect of the creative process associated with it was remarkable. He then was able to write and speak about it with such intelligence beauty, warmth and humanity…to interpret lyrics through his own unique perspective and wit… All of this was the gift that his readers, his radio listeners and his audiences were blessed to receive over these many years. This is something lasting he leaves to generations of those who love American popular song. We are so grateful. ~Cindy
Thank you Mike for all the wonderful musical memories.
Links to other stories about Mike:
https://www.wxxiclassical.org/people/michael-lasser
https://www.roccitymag.com/music/signing-off-michael-lasser-still-hears-that-fascinatin-rhythm-13239207
https://www.wxxiclassical.org/event-0/2021-09-27/michael-lasser-tribute-concert
https://www.wxxiclassical.org/arts/2019-06-17/connections-michael-lasser-on-city-songs
https://www.wxxiclassical.org/arts/2021-06-08/connections-michael-lasser-host-of-fascinatin-rhythm
https://www.wxxiclassical.org/arts/2021-06-08/connections-michael-lasser-host-of-fascinatin-rhythm
