Mike Renzi, a music legend, and Rhode Island native, died on September 28, 2021. During his career, he played on or arranged music for or was musical director for stars including Lena Horne, Mel Torme, Jack Jones, Maureen McGovern, Peggy Lee, Tony Bennett and Liza Minelli. He worked as musical director for "Sesame Street" for many seasons and earned 16 Emmy nominations for his work on the children's show, as well as for his work on "All My Children." Everyone who crossed paths with Mike came away with the feeling that he was truly a special person. Not just for his musical talents, which were truly abundant, but for Mike Renzi the man. Caring, loving, and a loyal and true friend to all.
In Mike’s memory, a fund has been created to assist music students at the University of Rhode Island. The Mike Renzi Musicianship Award will support a URI student who is a Rhode Island resident majoring in music in any area of concentration. The award will be given annually, in perpetuity, thanks to so many generous donors so far, and it will be used by the student to assist in ancillary expenses such as tuition, the purchase of music, purchase or repair of musical instruments and travel for educational purposes.
Please support this fund to honor Mike’s memory forever by helping young students, as did he. You can make a gift online at: bit.ly/uri-renzi or mail a check made out to: URI Foundation and Alumni Engagement and put Renzi GX04 in the memo line then mail to URI Foundation and Alumni Engagement, PO Box 1700, Kingston, RI 02881.
And please attend FOR MIKE each year in the Spring. Every year we bring in a world-class solo (or in 2026 a duo!) jazz pianist to play at The Newport Classical Recital Hall in Mike's honor. Every single dollar from the ticket cost goes to the Award!
