Ethan Jordan Bortnick (born December 24, 2000 in Pembroke Pines, Florida, USA) is a pianist, singer, composer, songwriter, actor, musician and one of the youngest philanthropists in the world.[1]
Ethan began playing a keyboard at the age of three and was composing music by the age of five. He has been featured on National and International television programs.[2] He has helped raise record amounts of money for charities around the world, by performing, inspiring and educating.[3][4] He has helped raise nearly $30 million by performing at charity benefits.[5]
On May 10, 2007, Bortnick's national television debut was on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. On this show, he met Cameron Diaz and Nelly Furtado.[6]
In 2007 Bortnick also appeared on such shows as The Martha Stewart Show, Good Morning America, Inside Edition, Access Hollywood, The Early Show.[4]
On March 10, 2008, Bortnick appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno for the second time. He appeared with Dominic Monaghan and Sheryl Crow.[7]
On May 12, 2008, Bortnick appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show. The segment was titled "Oprah Presents the World's Smartest Kids". In the episode, Ethan told Winfrey that "We still have to stay humble."[8]
On September 3, 2008, Bortnick appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, for the third time. He appeared with Billy Bob Thornton and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.[9]
On October 11, 2008, Bortnick appeared on the Disney Channel, on the show Little Einsteins. Bortnick recorded music for the show and appeared, as himself, on the show.[10]
On February 16, 2009, Bortnick appeared on the Australian television program Mornings with Kerri-Anne, where they surprised him by bringing out a koala. Bortnick instantly asked if the koala liked music, and jumped on the piano to perform a jazz piece for the koala.[11]
On April 22, 2009, Bortnick appeared on Nickelodeon's show Yo Gabba Gabba as himself. Bortnick appeared on the Green episode, promoting Earth Day.[12]
On May 13, 2009, Bortnick appeared on Canada AM and performed his song "Arctic Jazz".
On May 19, 2009, Bortnick appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno for the fourth time. He appeared with Terry Bradshaw and Blink-182. Bortnick performed, singing and playing the piano, a song that he had written honoring Jay as "The King of Late Night." Bortnick wrote the music and lyrics to this tribute to Leno, as a present for his departure from the Tonight Show.
On October 26, 2010, Bortnick appeared on Good Morning America and performed his song "Arctic Jazz".[13]
On October 27, 2010, Bortnick appeared on The Wendy Williams Show and performed a variation of the show's theme song.[14]
On December 13, 2010 Bortnick appeared on The Fran Drescher Show performing and then being interviewed.[15]
On December 24, 2010, Bortnick appeared on Fox and Friends Christmas Special. The show re-aired on December 25, 2010.[15]
On March 1, 2011, Bortnick was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show as Oprah narrated an update on what Ethan has been doing. Ethan was picked as one of the Most talented kids from the last 25 years of her show. This show was part of the Farewell Season of Oprah.[5]
On January 23, 2012, Bortnick appeared on Canada AM and performed his song "it's a Miracle" [16]
At 9 Years old, Ethan became the Youngest artist to have his own National PBS Concert Special. The special runs 60 minutes and 90 minutes.[17]
Ethan made his PBS concert special debut with "Ethan Bortnick and His Musical Time Machine", part of PBS special programming, in August 2010 on PBS stations across the USA. Filmed at the historic El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, Ethan Bortnick and His Musical Time Machine, puts Bortnick at center stage as he delivers a trip through music’s history from classical to pop and many genres in between. Disco queen Gloria Gaynor joined Ethan for a rendition of her anthem "I Will Survive", while legendary trumpeter Arturo Sandoval accompanies him on the Louis Armstrong classic "What a Wonderful World."
Other performances include the Beatles favorite "Let It Be" and Bortnick’s rowdy take on Little Richard’s "Good Golly Miss Molly." He also introduces the crowd to some of his original compositions, including "Arctic Jazz," a song that delivers an inspirational message to a jazz swing, and "PBS You're The Best," a song which he wrote especially for the network.[18]
In the DVD version of this special, Ethan interviews Quincy Jones. Ethan spent an entire day with Quincy Jones, performing for him and asking him questions about music, life and the future. Quicy Jones stated "Ethan’s imagination and ability to create music from stories is unbelievable," says Quincy Jones. "With such special talent and expressive piano playing, he’s sure to go all the way."[19]
Ethan's PBS Special was Produced by Mindfox Productions, AEG Live and Sun and Sky Entertainment.
Musical Director was Greg Phillinganes.[17]
At the age of 10, Ethan is the youngest Musician and entertainer to ever headline his own National tour.[5]
Ethan created this 2 hour show himself, including the concept and the repertoire. The entire show (from start to finish) was led by Ethan Playing, singing, story telling, answering questions, and Emceeing the entire show himself.[20]
Between October 5, 2010 and October 13, 2010 and then between January 14, 2011 - March 6, 2011, Bortnick Headlined his own National Tour, Performing 28 shows. Ethan's concerts covered Music from different time periods, his own compositions, Questions from the audience, Comedy, on the spot composing of songs (using audience ringtones) and each show was different. This tour was promoted by AEG Live.[21]
Reviews of the show, received a 100% positive feedback rating on Ticketmaster with reviews such as "Ethan is a true showman", "Genius", "Uplifting", "Fantastic", "Ethan is a wonder","Fabulous","Incredible, Funny, Inspiring for all ages"[22]
18 Concerts were sponsored by REMAX and the concerts benefited Children's Miracle Network. During the tour, Ethan stopped at local Children's hospitals to perform for the kids who could not come and see him on his tour, due to illness. Ethan also donated proceeds from his CD and T-Shirt sales to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and provided complimentary tickets to more than 100 children being treated at children’s hospitals and their families, in each city.[23]
Some of the major cities that were included on this tour were New York in Times Square, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago Area, Atlanta, Houston, Nashville, Pittsburgh, PA, Detroit, Seattle, Denver, Kansas City, MO, Portland, Raleigh, NC, Orlando, Hollywood, FL,
Some of the Venues on this tour were Best Buy Theater, Cerritos Center, Keswick Theater, Belcourt Theater, Benaroya Hall, Paramount Theatre (Denver, Colorado), Midland Theatre, Royal Oak Music Theatre, Meymandi Concert Hall, Gwinnett Center for the Performing Arts, and many more.[24]
On July 22, 2011 and July 23, 2011, Ethan became the youngest Headline performer in Las Vegas. At 10 years old, Ethan made history at the Las Vegas Hilton as the youngest headliner in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Hilton Theater has a rich history of presenting such legendary icons as Elvis Presley who performed 837 sold-out shows, Tony Bennett, Barry Manilow and Barbra Streisand. Now, Ethan Bortnick made history again, performing 2 sold out concerts.[25][26]
Reviews of the show were incredible, including a review by the Las Vegas Sun, stating "Ethan Bortnick’s show at the Hilton (on Friday) night was history-making. It was a sold-out crowd, and there was so much heart and soul, plus energy felt from the audience. It was a spectacular night, 90 minutes of pure entertainment.”[25]
Another review stated "...his performance was flawless..." and "Ethan's fingers seemed to fly across the piano's keyboard and the next moment after each number he got up to speak to his audience... Anyone who heard Ethan's music and did not know that the entertainer was only 10 years old would have thought he was an exceptionally talented adult pianist."[27]
In September 2011, Ethan finished filming a Feature Film entitled "Anything is Possible". Ethan plays the leading role as Nathan,a young boy who's separated from his mother when she goes missing during a trip to Japan to help after the tsunami. The movie explores issues like homelessness, military family life and adoption. Ethan co-wrote the music with Grammy award winning songwriter and producer, Gary Baker (songwriter), and his team Matthew Craig and Rob Collier. It has been reported that Ethan will also score the entire film.[28]
Ethan will become the youngest actor to co-write the soundtrack and play the leading role in a feature film.
Co-stars include Fatima Ptacek, Lacey Chabert, Jonathan Bennett (actor), and Kym Whitley.[29]
In August 2011, Ethan recorded in Muscle Shoals, AL, his first recorded album. The album is being produced by Grammy award winning songwriter and producer, Gary Baker (songwriter), and his team Matthew Craig and Rob Collier. This album is the soundtrack to the Film, Anything is Possible, where Ethan plays the leading role.[30]
Ethan is the host of Melody Street, a 22-minute musical-variety-show for preschoolers. Ethan and his five best friends, a band of animated musical instruments; Val Violin, Febe Flute, Timmy Trumpet, Heidi Horn and Sammy Snare, entertain kids with humor, songs, skits, interactive games, backstage dramas, celebrity musical guests, while teaching children about the beauty, joy and fun that stems from music.[31]
On May 30, 2007, Bortnick opened Nelly Furtado's US tour at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. This was her first show in the United States on her tour.[32]
On June 1, 2008, Bortnick performed a full concert with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, under the musical direction of Andrew Lane. He was 7 years old and was the youngest performer to ever perform as the piano soloist with the Naples Orchestra.[33]
On October 4, 2008, Bortnick performed to raise money for the Miami Children's Hospital foundation's Diamond Ball and Concert, featuring Beyoncé Knowles, Smokey Robinson, and Gloria Gaynor at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, FL. A record $12 million was raised for the Foundation.[34]
On September 15, 2008, Bortnick became the youngest co-host for the Chabad Telethon. With Bortnick co-hosting this live telethon, seen by millions of viewers, the telethon raised a record $8 million in one night.[35][36]
On October 23, 2008, Bortnick performed for OneXOne to help raise money to help fight hunger, health issues and preserve the lives of children locally and globally. Matt Damon held an auction at the event with Ethan and Josh Groban. Other performers and celebrities included Santana, David Arquette, Josh Groban, and Wyclef Jean.
On January 6, 2009, Bortnick performed at a dinner hosted by Nancy Pelosi to honor the swearing in of the 111th United States Congress. Bortnick was the only performer the entire night.
On January 10, 2009, and January 11, 2009, Bortnick performed with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra under the musical direction of Andrew Lane. He was 8 years old and was the youngest performer to ever perform as the piano soloist with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra[37]
On February 4, 2009, Bortnick performed at a fundraiser benefiting the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation with chef Emeril Lagasse. Bortnick performed a song he wrote for Lagasse entitled "Bam — Kick It up a Notch" and presented the chef with the song’s lyrics.[38]
On February 16, 2009, Bortnick performed in Sydney, Australia. The reaction and reviews were extremely favorable, with reviews stating "Within minutes Ethan... had the audience laughing with his wit and sense of timing.... He has a unique mix of charisma, talent and good sense of humour, and therefore it was phenomenal to see someone of that age able to play piano with such skill and also entertain the crowd.."[39]
On March 3, 2009, Bortnick performed with his friend Mark Rivera, who has been a featured member of Billy Joel's band since 1982 and has toured the world with John Lennon, Peter Gabriel, Simon & Garfunkel, The Eagles, and was Ringo Starr's musical director. Bortnick and Rivera performed, the day after the kickoff of Billy Joel's and Elton John's Face-to-Face Tour. The performance was in an inner city school to inspire young kids not to get discouraged and find their special gift to the world. The reviews of this performance were as follows: "Ethan stole the show. He's not only an exceptional musical prodigy, but he's charming and self assured. He easily established a rapport with his audience and told jokes. He had the... school students spellbound with his charisma and poise.... After a few minutes on stage, I didn't think of him as a kid but a very short adult. His adult body language is uncanny.... It was amazing to watch him play with those tiny hands, stretching to form the chords. But he does it with ease and advanced facility with style."[40]
On March 27, 2009 and March 28, 2009, Bortnick performed at Muhammad Ali's event to help raise money in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and other charities. This event was held over two nights. Bortnick performed both nights. Bortnick, after finding out about the event, composed and wrote a song for Muhammad Ali, entitled "The Champ". After performing the first night, Ali embraced Ethan and everyone began singing "The Champ" with Ethan on stage (unplanned). Forrest Whitaker, Josh Groban, Reba McEntire, David Foster, Jordin Sparks and many others went on stage and sang this to Ali.[41]
On April 27, 2009, Bortnick performed at a private event at the Fontainebleau Hotel backed by members of Billy Joel's band. Bortnick performed with Mark Rivera, Tommy Byrnes, Chuck Burgi, Andy Cichon, and David Rosenthal. Other performers that night included Howie Mandel and Katy Perry.
On May 18, 2009, Bortnick performed for the 18th annual Society of Singers Ella Awards , honoring Herb Alpert and Lani Hall.[42]
On July 12, 2009, Bortnick opened for Sir Elton John, Gladys Knight and Tony Bennett. This event was to raise money for the Starkey Hearing Foundation and was hosted by Billy Crystal.[43]
On September 13, 2009, Bortnick performed at a private dinner to help raise funds for OneXOne. In attendance were President Bill Clinton, Matt Damon, Elvis Costello and many others. At the event, President Clinton said "Maybe if I get really lucky young Ethan Bortnick will play for me another song or two", which Bortnick did.[44]
On September 16, 2009, Bortnick performed, as the sole entertainer, for the Annual Benefit Event of American Friends of Lubavitch, one of the premier evenings on the Washington Social calendar. Attendees included Ambassador Nancy Goodman Brinker,Congressman John Lewis, Senator Joe Lieberman, Senator Arlen Specter and many others. Reviews of Bortnick's performance said "... highlight of the evening was certainly the phenomenal entertainment by... Ethan Bortnick.... There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when he dedicated "G-d Bless America"...."[45]
On October 12, 2009, Bortnick was the headline performer at Nokia Theater at LA Live. He is the youngest performer, at 8 years old, to Headline his own show at LA Live. His almost 2 hour show was backed by members of Billy Joel's band. Bortnick performed with Mark Rivera, Tommy Byrnes, Chuck Burgi, Andy Cichon, and David Rosenthal. Over 4,000 people were in attendance. This event was sponsored by the National Association for Home Care & Hospice, and Ethan wrote a new composition for the group, which he performed, named "A Hug Song". The president of NAHC wrote a letter to Ethan with comments such as "..one of the best experiences of my life..", "your showmanship was second to none..","..could only be described as a tour de force..". The following day, as part of the NAHC events, Ethan dined with Colin Powell and a few other members of the NAHC.[46]
On October 22, 2009, Bortnick performed for OneXOne to help raise money to help fight hunger, health issues and preserve the lives of children locally and globally. Ethan opened the show for such musical acts as Josh Groban, Santana, and Snow Patrol. During Ethan's performance, he dedicated a song he wrote, called "It's for the Kids". Others that enjoyed Ethan's performance were Charlize Theron, Jeremy Piven, Mia Hamm, Laila Ali and many more[47]
On October 24, 2009. Bortnick opened for Josh Groban at a private event in San Francisco. Ethan performed for 45 minutes and then Josh performed.
On February 4, 2010, Bortnick opened for Jordin Sparks, Jason Derulo, Sam Moore, David Archuleta for a Super Bowl Party at Miami's Eden Roc Hotel, raising money for various children's charities.[48]
on February 24, 2010, Bortnick performed at The Grammy Museum a solo show for students.[49]
On April 16, 2010, Bortnick performed at the Children Mending Hearts Benefit. Joining Bortnick that evening were Ben Affleck, Five for Fighting, Aisha Tyler, Alyssa Milano and others.[50]
On August 1, 2010, Bortnick performed live at the historic KCET studios during the pledge drive.
On November 13, 2010, Bortnick performed at the Delta Awards Ceremony for Children's Miracle Network. Ethan performed a song he wrote called "It's a Miracle".[51]
On November 17, 2010, Bortnick performed in Sao Paulo, Brazil to a sold out crowd. Reviews were phenomenal in all Brazil media, including reviews such as "... the 9 year old piano prodigy Ethan Bortnick won the audience from the first moment, acting, playing and singing by himself.."[52]
On November 27, 2010, Bortnick performed with Ben Folds and the Nashville Symphony to help raise funds for the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Ben Folds said ""Yes, Ethan has perfect pitch and photographic memory, has performed with some of the worlds finest, has a repertoire of over 200 songs as well as his own compositions all at the age of nine," says Ben Folds. "But more than that I am struck by is his spirit – his natural wisdom and ability to inspire both musically and personally."[19][53]
On December 9, 2010. Bortnick performed at the Haim Saban's IDF Fundraising dinner in Beverly Hills, opening for David Foster and Andrea Bocelli, with reviews that stated "But the most tender part of the night was when 9-year-old piano prodigy Ethan Bortnick took the stage to perform.."[54]
On March 8, 2011, Bortnick performed at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas to raise money for the Remax and Childrens Miracle Ntwork Auction. He raised $105,000 in less than 10 minutes, auctioning off 3 private concerts to the highest bidders. This was a record amount for this event.[55]
On April 2, 2011, Bortnick performed a concert for the Larry King foundation. Bortnick opened for Mary Blige.
On April 11, 2011, Bortnick opened the 27th National Space Foundation Symposium. It was attended by over 9,000 people in Colorado Springs, Colorado.[56]
On May 28, 2011, Bortnick was one of the headliners of the 2011 Jacksonville Jazz Festival. He performed two, standing room only, headline shows at the festival. Other Headliners included Natalie Cole and Herbie Hancock[57]
On August 23, 2011, Bortnick performed as the opening act for legendary songwriter and composer Marvin Hamlisch, in Montreal, Canada.[58]
On February 1, 2010 Ethan became the youngest artist to record with some 70 artists, the song We Are the World 25 for Haiti. This was the 25th anniversary of the original recording. Produced by Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie and others, this new recording will help the country of Haiti. Ethan, at age 9, was the youngest artist and recorded the song with the following artists Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Harry Connick Jr., Justin Bieber, Carlos Santana, Pink, Will.i.am, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, LL Cool J, Robin Thicke, Akon, Rob Thomas, Wyclef Jean, Jeff Bridges, Vince Vaughn, Jordin Sparks, Good Charlotte's Madden brothers, Tony Bennett, Josh Groban, Snoop Dogg, Jennifer Hudson, Keri Hilson, Jamie Foxx, Tyrese, Katharine McPhee, Sean Garrett, Brandy, Melanie Fiona, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton, Jason Mraz, Busta Rhymes, Nicole Scherzinger, Nicole Richie, Julianne Hough, Raphael Saadiq, Zac Brown Band, India.Arie, Randy Jackson, Musiq Soulchild, Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson, Fonzworth Bentley, Kid Cudi, Iyaz, Bizzy Bone, Nipsey Hussle, the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson and Al Jardine, Trey Songz, Faith Evans, Mýa and Gladys Knight.[59]
The song premiered Friday, February 12, during the opening ceremony of the Vancouver Winter Olympics.[60]
Ethan has been interviewed by many local, national and international Radio Stations and Newspapers/Magazines. Some notable appearances are listed below:
On December 20, 2008, Bortnick was a guest on the NPR's Weekend Edition Program. Listeners wrote into NPR with comments such as "This interview was one of the most enjoyable of the year."[61]
On February 12, 2010, Ethan was featured in Rolling stone in an article titled "Preview the New "We Are the World," Plus Meet Nine-Year-Old Singer Ethan Bortnick"[62]
On August 1, 2010 Ethan was featured in the LIFE Section of the USA TODAY. With quotes such as "Ethan is as comfortable playing before a live TV audience in Hollywood, Calif., as he is noodling on his piano at home in Hollywood, Fla..... The little boy with the grown-up talent seems happily adjusted to his double life. Elfin, cheerful and self-assured, Ethan tackles music with fervor and focus."[17]
On May 1, 2011 Ethan was Featured in the Keyboard Magazine In a section entitled "MAJORminor".[63]
On July 22, 2011, Ethan was featured in the Las Vegas Review Journal, in the NEON Entertainment section.[64]
One of Bortnick’s strong desires is to help people with his music, especially children. Below are some examples of whom he has helped recently:
Children's Miracle Network
Miami Children’s Hospital
Friendship Circle of Washington
OneXone
Celebrity Fight Night (Muhammad Ali event)
The Starkey Hearing Foundation
Boys and Girls Club
American Heart Association
Kids in Distress
"Heart 4 Heart" Foundation
Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation
Lili Claire Foundation
Children in the Arts
Our Daily Bread Mission
Unicorn Children's Foundation
Free the Children
White Knight Foundation
We Are the World 25th Anniversary for Haiti
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