Born and raised in Liverpool, England, the son of Irish immigrants, Michael Snow began his professional music career in 1962 with the Merseybeat group The Barons, who recorded for Parlophone/EMI.
Moving to London in 1964, he joined West Five, scoring a chart hit with the early Jagger / Richards composition "Congratulations," after which his Irish roots showed briefly in a six-month stint with the prominent showband from Waterford, The Blue Aces (HMV Records).
As a London resident, Michael established himself as a freelance touring pianist/musical director with visiting R&B stars such as Doris Troy, Edwin Star, Ben E. King, and The Checkmates.
Michael joined The Checkmates as a full member in 1966, helping the band's transition to mainstream rock acceptance under their new name Ferris Wheel. Having tasted songwriting success composing Marmalade's first hit "Can't Stop Now" (CBS), he became chief writer/arranger on a string of popular European releases from Ferris Wheel, retiring from the band in 1969 to pursue songwriting and studio session work, while also serving as a music publishing manager for the world renowned Robert Stigwood Organization. During his period he contributed to works by, most notably, Dusty Springfield, Lulu, P.J. Proby, Badfinger, and a career highlight John Lennon's "Power to the People" (Plastic Ono Band.)
Moving to London in 1964, he joined West Five, scoring a chart hit with the early Jagger / Richards composition "Congratulations," after which his Irish roots showed briefly in a six-month stint with the prominent showband from Waterford, The Blue Aces (HMV Records).
As a London resident, Michael established himself as a freelance touring pianist/musical director with visiting R&B stars such as Doris Troy, Edwin Star, Ben E. King, and The Checkmates.
Michael joined The Checkmates as a full member in 1966, helping the band's transition to mainstream rock acceptance under their new name Ferris Wheel. Having tasted songwriting success composing Marmalade's first hit "Can't Stop Now" (CBS), he became chief writer/arranger on a string of popular European releases from Ferris Wheel, retiring from the band in 1969 to pursue songwriting and studio session work, while also serving as a music publishing manager for the world renowned Robert Stigwood Organization. During his period he contributed to works by, most notably, Dusty Springfield, Lulu, P.J. Proby, Badfinger, and a career highlight John Lennon's "Power to the People" (Plastic Ono Band.)