Michael Bluestein is a versatile keyboardist, composer, songwriter, and producer whose career spans the worlds of rock, jazz, and contemporary music. Best known as the longtime keyboardist for the legendary classic-rock band Foreigner, Bluestein has built a reputation as a dynamic performer and creative force whose work resonates across genres.
Raised in the Boston area, Bluestein began studying piano at a young age, quickly developing a strong foundation in both classical and jazz traditions. His passion for improvisation and composition led him to pursue formal training at Berklee College of Music where he honed his skills in performance and composition. This blend of rigorous study and natural musical curiosity laid the groundwork for a career defined by stylistic range and adaptability.
Before joining Foreigner in 2008, Bluestein established himself as an in-demand touring and session musician. His résumé includes collaborations with a wide spectrum of artists, from Grammy-winning pop stars to jazz innovators. He toured extensively with Boz Scaggs, performed with Enrique Iglesias, and shared the stage with Anastacia, Roger Hodgson (of Supertramp), Burt Bacharach, and Stevie Nicks, among others. These experiences further enhanced his versatility and deepened his understanding of what it means to support and elevate a song, whether on a grand stage or in the intimacy of the studio.
With Foreigner, Bluestein has played to millions of fans worldwide, contributing his signature keyboard work to the band’s powerhouse live shows. Performing timeless hits like “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Cold as Ice,” and “Juke Box Hero,” he has become an integral part of one of the most successful touring rock acts in the world. His high-energy stage presence and mastery of vintage keyboards such as the Hammond B-3, Rhodes, and modern synths have helped keep Foreigner’s music vibrant and contemporary for new generations of listeners.
Beyond his role in Foreigner, Bluestein continues to nurture his own creative projects. He has released recordings under his own name and through projects like Beat Glider, showcasing his talent for blending atmospheric textures, jazz harmony, and chill grooves. His work as a songwriter and producer reflects an adventurous spirit, moving seamlessly between instrumental compositions, lofi and chillhop productions, and collaborations with other artists. This dual path—rock arena stages on one hand, intimate studio explorations on the other—illustrates Bluestein’s rare ability to inhabit multiple musical worlds with authenticity.
In addition to his performing and recording career, Bluestein is a passionate educator and advocate for the arts. He has given masterclasses and workshops, encouraging young musicians to develop both technical skills and their unique artistic voices. He often speaks about the importance of versatility and openness in a rapidly changing music industry, drawing on his own experiences across pop, jazz, and rock contexts.
Today, Michael Bluestein stands as both a seasoned performer with decades of professional experience and a restless creative continually searching for new sounds and approaches. Whether commanding the keys before a stadium audience with Foreigner or sculpting ambient soundscapes in his Los Angeles studio, Bluestein embodies a lifelong dedication to music’s power to connect, inspire, and evolve