Shiro Michi

Popular Japanese Hammond organist in the 1950s, and Electone artist from the 1950s~2000s since 1958, other than Koichi Oki, Shigeo Sekito, Hidemi Saito. Graduated from Gakushuin High School and the University of Tokyo, he was born in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, on the 18th of December, 1924, under the name "平岡通博 (Michihiro Hiraoka)" as his real name. Died later on 11th November 2016. During childhood, he learned to play musical instruments, such as piano, violin, clarinet, etc. In 1955, he was fascinated with the Hammond organ. During that period, he became a session artist of Hammond Organ in Japan, then proceeded to continue working with Nippon Gakki (Yamaha) in 1957, to participate in their upcoming Yamaha Electone prototype. In 1958, the prototype "Yamaha Electone E-T" was completed and introduced, and when Shiro Michi played the instrument, it was widely accepted by the general public. Since then, he published around 200 LPs and books, by his name. Shiro Michi's discography is mainly divided into four periods: - Teichiku Records, King Records, etc. (1950s - 1965); Mainly contributed as a featured side artist on other Japanese artists, credited as a Hammond organist, or sometimes as an Electone player. - Columbia, 株式会社JVCケンウッド・ビクターエンタテインメント, Toshiba Records (Early 1960s); His first debut, mainly played on Yamaha Electone series to promote their organs, or sometimes in Hammond and other organs as well - Polydor Records (Early 1960s - 1980); Mostly performed on Yamaha Electone, although there are also some Hammond organ albums. During mid-1960s throughout early 1970s, his album was featured on Miracle Sound (2) series. In his single, his release was featured in Golden Stelet series, and mostly the singles contained only the best music on track from the selected album. - CBS/Sony (1969 - 1980); Some Electone series were published by the name of him, such as 魅惑のエレクトーン, 素晴らしきエレクトーンの世界, etc. After mid-1970s, he decided to published some compilation releases on the Electone organ. In some cases, orchestra was invited to performed, such as Fantastic Sounds Orchestra, Ensemble Petit & Screenland Orchestra, etc. - Others (1980s - 2000s); In some cases, most of his releases are a compilation. There's also CDs published by his name, but most of them are quite rare.