Joseph Curiale is an American composer and conductor, most notably recognized for his work in Hollywood’s film, television, and recording industry. An Emmy Award nominee and three-time CNN Hero nominee, Curiale’s career began with Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show,” where he composed music from 1982–1993. His song, “Sick of the Blues,” became the show’s closing theme. In 1983 he was signed as the first staff songwriter in Columbia Picture’s history, which led to Gold and Platinum records for his work and his involvement with films such as Roxanne, Summer School, and Quicksilver.
Curiale also had success with composing concert music, most notably his symphonic works Awakening and The Music of Life, which were recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra, respectively. In addition to being a Fellow at MacDowell, Ucross Foundation, and Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts, Curial has received commissions from the University of Wyoming, Ohio Northern University, and Tokyo International School. His music is strongly influenced by his spirituality and time spent in living and working in Japan and Singapore.
