“Even though we try not to be nostalgic about drawing from old music, I'm always inspired by things like old Cole Porter songs or the words in the Gershwin songs or even Stephen Sondheim, where there's a real craft to them but it isn't only that you're hearing the words it's that it links so well with the music.”

American musician and songwriter, born 1948

Ron Mael is an American musician, songwriter, composer, record producer, music programmer, and film director. Born Ronald David Mael, he is best known as the keyboardist and principal songwriter of the pop and rock duo Sparks, which he founded with his younger brother Russell Mael in 1971. He is known for his offbeat, highly specific songwriting and for a keyboard style that is intricate and rhythmically driven. Onstage, he is often remembered for a dry, unmoving presence, set against Russell Mael’s more animated performance style. He is also noted for his conservative dress and his distinctive moustache, and he and his brother founded Lil' Beethoven Records.