EP 94: Michael Broening on the Magic of “Swayed” and Writing Hits

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with producer, pianist, and songwriter Michael Broening—a man behind more than 65 contemporary jazz hits, including 25 number-one singles. You’ve probably heard his work even if you didn’t know his name. From George Benson and Al Jarreau’s Grammy-winning track “Mornin’” to chart-toppers with Marion Meadows, Lemek, and Althea René, Michael’s influence in smooth jazz runs deep.

Michael opens up about the evolution of his career—from a touring musician and teacher to running his own studio, The B-Hive, in Phoenix, Arizona. He walks me through his creative process: letting artists take his initial melodies and make them their own, keeping collaboration honest, and ensuring the heart of the music reflects the artist’s soul.

We talk about how the pandemic shifted the recording process, how he balances being a devoted husband and father of two with producing at a high level, and what makes a studio recording stand out over digital shortcuts. Michael also reflects on his deep love for the piano, his background in finance, and how inspiration can strike anywhere—even in the grocery store.

He shares his thoughts on the challenges of songwriting, the joy of co-creation, and the satisfaction of hearing everything finally click. With new projects on the way and a growing label under his belt, Michael Broening isn’t just making music—he’s shaping the future of the genre one track at a time.

Connect with Michael: https://www.michaelbproductions.com/