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Gary Pickus: A Lifelong Musical Odyssey

432 Muse Avenue is a testament to the investment of a lifetime by composer Gary Pickus, a writer-arranger-producer-performer that has worked with every kind of music imaginable in a career spanning five decades – and still doing it with the same youthful verve he started with.

 

From the early days of playing movie theme songs by ear to his current role as a versatile musician, songwriter, and producer Gary Pickus has embarked on a remarkable journey.

The words of a childhood friend, "Don't keep Gary Pickus a secret," have kept him steadfast in thinking of music “as a verb” that makes a positive difference. His belief in the power of music to relate to every part of life has fueled his relentless pursuit of excellence.

 

Pickus' early musical experiences laid the foundation for his future career. He replaced the classical music on his piano desk with a transistor radio preferring to delving into the nuance, power, finesse and groove of popular music. As a teenager, he honed his skills on the electric keys, joined and led local cover bands, and spread out a valuable foundation that would lead to his future work as a musical director, arranger, and producer.

 

His journey continued at Duke University, where he studied psychology while simultaneously pursuing his musical passions in the beach music circuit of the Carolinas.  After graduation, Pickus co-formed a 4-piece group for an international USO tour, which opened his eyes to the world and solidified his determination to make a career in music.

 

Driven by a desire to create his own music, Pickus moved to Los Angeles and began writing and producing his own songs. His talent quickly caught the attention of industry professionals, signing three different publishing deals over five years. His music catapulted to placements on recordings, in films, and TV along with collaborations with renowned artists, several songwriting contest awards, and work as a studio producer with numerous creatives. These including Diane Warren, Barry Manilow, members of back-up bands for Bonnie Raitt, Tina Turner, Madonna, along with Alan Thicke’s musical director and Robin Thicke’s piano instructor…all punctuated by a gold record for a cut on El Debarge’s album and a co-write on Alan Thicke’s Saturday TV show during this active time. As a nod to his encyclopedic recall of pop music, Gary even did a stint as Pioneer Laser Karaoke’s National Demonstration Director in the late 80’s, introducing America to what was already a mainstay in Asian bars.

 

The 90’s spun Gary to the Pacific Northwest, signed to a world music label as an instrumental artist where he composed and produced 10 albums including a children’s edutainment series, and arranged and produced for others on the label. 3 years in Nashville culminated in landing a Warner Brothers record deal for one of his co-writing partners he produced. 

 

He began writing long form at this point including (screenplay and musical), and began moonlighting as a dueling pianist and cruise ship entertainer, while continuing to stock his own personal catalog for what was inevitable: a return to sync placements. 2025 has already included a piece on Netflix' “Catfish” and upcoming recordings from a new licensing deal.  He's also still  working as a producer for several projects..but this time around,utilizing his vocals as a new key piece of his ever-changing musical kaleidoscope.

 

His ability to seamlessly blend different musical elements has set him apart as a unique and innovative artist. In addition to his musical accomplishments, Pickus is deeply committed to social causes. He has incorporated themes of social justice and environmental awareness into his songwriting, using his platform to raise awareness and inspire change.

 

With a career spanning decades, Gary Pickus has established himself as a respected musician and songwriter. His passion, talent, and versatility have allowed him to create a legacy and continue to inspire audiences around the world.

 

Of special interest: 432 Muse Avenue is the house that his music built, indeed a legacy, and if you’re interested in owning the copyrights to a piece of it, some of it, or all of it…he’s open to that conversation.  In any case, enjoy the concept: this house was built cfrom the ground up to entertain.