[Note on typewritten tape log in box:] Michael, aged 22 years old when he recorded for Ruth Rubin, was born in Kazakhstan. His father and mother and older brothers were evacuated from Poland, during the German occupation years, into Soviet Central Asia. Michael and his parents came to the United States when he was 8 years old, after having lived in France a few years. In English, he relates that the family -his parents and older brother - lived in Lodz, then Byalistock - then in Russia (Kazakhstan) a year. Then Poland 2 years, but there was nothing left, so went to Paris - the Rothchilds had given a house to artists and writers - and then another Paris location. Then they emigrated to the U.S. - Pittsburg, then NYC. He was 8.5 years-old when he came to the U.S. He spoke Russian, Polish, French, Yiddish at home. He was surprised to learn that not everybody spoke a different language at home. His mother was from Konyan (sp.?) - near the German border. His father was from Lodz. Michael is a teacher in a secular Yiddish school. The songs he remembers, has learned, and sings, are quite varied. This and the following tape, reveal a warmth and an aptitude, even a talent for singing. [Ed. note:]


He continued writing songs. He also performed Yiddish theater, and participated in the production of the album "Kids in Yiddish" (2002 - A Folksbiene Production).