Since graduating from the Eastman School of Music, James Saporito has enjoyed a flourishing career as a freelance drummer/percussionist in New York City. He has recorded over 60 major motion picture soundtracks and 150 albums, collaborating with such diverse artists as Marilyn Horne, Gladys Knight, Billy Joel, Barbara Cook and Tony Bennett. He has played on more than 10 Broadway cast albums, from the original La Cage aux Folles to The Wedding Singer. He has toured with Peter Allen, Ben Vereen, Debbie Boone, Michael Feinstein, Karen Akers and the New York Philharmonic.
Saporito serves as associate principal percussionist with the New York City Ballet Orchestra. He is the principal percussionist with the New York Pops Orchestra and the American Composers Orchestra. Saporito is most proud of his two children and his wife, the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Melinda Wagner.