Phil Galdston
Phil Galdston is a songwriter/producer whose many and varied efforts have made him one of the few in the field to score hits on virtually every major Billboard chart. Over 175 million copies of his songs and productions have appeared on more than 110 million records worldwide in recordings by artists ranging from Celine Dion to Sheryl Crow, from Chicago to Beyoncé, from Brandy to Esperanza Spalding, from Yolanda Adams to Kurt Elling. Among his many successes is "Save the Best For Last," recorded by Vanessa Williams, which simultaneously topped Billboard's three major charts, was nominated for a GRAMMY® as Song of the Year, and was ASCAP's Song of the Year. Read full bio.
A few questions for Phil:
*** Do you write lyrics or melodies first?
It depends on the song. Many of those I’ve written have begun with a title. I’m a title hound.
*** What’s a guilty pleasure song you secretly love?
I don’t think I have one. I love songs of every dimension! There are “bad” songs, but no bad genres.
*** If you weren’t the Director of Songwriting, what would you be doing?
Writing more songs and producing more records.
*** What’s the strangest place you’ve found inspiration for a song?
A church bulletin board and a subway ad.
*** What's your favorite lyric of all time?
Paul Simon’s "I Do It For Your Love":
"The sting of reason, the salt of tears
The northern and the southern hemispheres
Love emerges and it disappears
I do it for your love."
*** What’s the one piece of advice you give to all of your songwriting students?
There’s no such thing as a career in song; it’s a life.
*** If you could co-write with any artist, past or present, who would it be? (Someone you have not worked with already).
The first name that comes to mind is John Lennon.
*** What’s the best concert you’ve ever attended?
Top three: Paul Simon farewell tour; The Police at Shea Stadium; Paul McCartney private show.
*** If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Bury Me Standing, which happens to be the title of a song I wrote with the great Tommy Sims.
