“As I move forward, I do so with a profound understanding that success isn’t just about what we achieve, but about the love and relationships that sustain us along the way.”
— Michael Cerbelli
REFLECTING ON 60 YEARS: MICHAEL CERBELLI
Introduction: Reflecting on 60 Years
As I begin to celebrate my 60th birthday on September 10, 2024, I find myself reflecting deeply on the journey that has brought me to this point. These past six decades have been filled with challenges, triumphs, and countless memories that have shaped me into the person I am today. More than just a reflection on my life, this journey over time is a tribute to the incredible people who have stood by me - my family. They have been my rock, my inspiration, and the reason behind so many of the decisions I've made along the way. This story is my way of honoring the life I've lived, the lessons I've learned, and the people who have played a pivotal role in my story.
Childhood: The Foundation of My Journey
Growing up as the youngest of four siblings, with an 11 to 16-year age gap between myself and my siblings, presented unique challenges and opportunities as they were basically out of the house and on their own. I was just 10 1/2 years old when my father passed away, leaving my mother to navigate the complexities of raising a highly energetic and excitable child on her own in her 40’s. She did her best, though it wasn't easy, especially with my undiagnosed OCD, ADD and what I now recognize as traits shared with my son, traits that might have been labeled as Asperger's if they were better understood back then. I was a handful, to say the least, but I was also passionate, creative, and endlessly curious about the world around me.
Teen Years: The Birth of Passion and Ambition
By the time I was 12, I had already begun to dream big. I loved being the center of attention and thrived on the energy of an audience. My dream was to either become an architect or an actor – two paths that allowed me to express my creativity in different ways. Drawing, designing, and imagining new worlds on paper gave me immense satisfaction, but so did being on stage, basking in the applause of a captivated audience.
One unforgettable moment was when Pearl Bailey, during her run as Dolly Levi in the Broadway show Hello, Dolly! stopped the performance to address an audience member who had been taking pictures. She was walking down the grand staircase during the biggest moment of the show when the disruption took place. With her commanding presence, she stopped the show cold to reprimand the audience member and said to the audience as adults we need to set examples for children and then asked if there were any children in the audience. I was right there, third row center, she looked down and called on me, asking me to stand up. Suddenly, a huge spotlight was on me, and the entire audience turned to look. I was just 12, but in that moment, it felt as if time had stopped, and I was the only one in the theater with her. She engaged me in a brief conversation, treating me with a level of respect and warmth usually reserved for seasoned professionals. Ms. Baily and I had the audience laughing several times with some of the questions she was asking me, and my responses back were as if we had rehearsed a bit. I loved every second of it. It was as if she was passing the torch, and in that instant, I knew that this was the life for me.
Afterward, she sent someone from backstage to find me and gave me a book of her poems. Inside, she had written a message that I have carried with me ever since: "Grow Strong, Proud & True." Those words left a profound impact on me. To this day, I write the same message in every gift I give to a child, hoping to inspire them the way she inspired me. Although Ms. Bailey passed away before I ever had the chance to thank her for what she meant to me, her influence remains a guiding force in my life.
By chance, I was lucky to have one more cherished memory from Broadway around that time - meeting a young Danny Aiello backstage after a performance of the Broadway show Knockout. My aunt and uncle had managed to take me backstage, and I was thrilled beyond words. When we found Danny, he was in the middle of trying to catch his breath, breathing into a paper bag because he was hyperventilating after the intensity of the show. Knockout ended with a prizefight, and the adrenaline was still running high for everyone involved, including the actors. Despite this, Danny took the time to talk to me, offering some kind words and advice that resonated with me long after.
But the most magical part of that night came when I found a moment to slip away from my family and wander onto the stage. It was just me, an empty room filled with countless seats, and a ghost light illuminating the stage. Standing there, I felt a deep, almost spiritual connection to the theater. It was as if the very air in the room was charged with the energy of every performer who had ever stood on that stage. In that moment, I knew, more than ever before, that this was where I belonged. That experience fueled my passion for the spotlight and solidified my determination to make a life in the world of entertainment.
Years later, by sheer luck, I ran into Danny Aiello again, this time sitting at a restaurant with his manager at Newark Airport. I couldn’t resist sharing the story of that night with them. To my delight, he was blown away by this story, as it was bringing back old memories for him. Mr. Aiello was literally slapping the table, as people turned to see what the commotion was, and proclaiming to his manager that this was a “lost Broadway show” but one of his favorite moments in time, performing in his early acting days as the lead in that show. It felt great to see his excitement we had a good laugh together, he stood up and gave me a hug, and I was on my way. And just like that, as fate would have it, we ended up sitting next to each other on the same flight, for the next three hours. We talked non-stop, reminiscing about that night and the paths our lives had taken since. Discovering that we had a few “6-degrees of separation” it was a full-circle moment that felt almost too good to be true and it deepened my respect and admiration for him. Rest in peace, my friend.
At 12, I had also saved up enough money to buy some basic DJ equipment from RadioShack. I would spend hours in my room, practicing, experimenting with sounds, and imagining myself commanding a crowd. By my 13th birthday in 1977, (September 10th to be exact), I was already spinning records at the American Legion Post 573’s block party. That $25 payment felt like a million dollars to me, and it marked the beginning of what would become a lifelong career in entertainment. The thrill of being behind the turntables, watching the crowd react to the music, and knowing that I was the one controlling the energy of the event was intoxicating. It was a different kind of performance, but one that still allowed me to connect with an audience and feed off their energy.
These experiences, from the Broadway stage to the DJ booth, were the foundation of my passion and ambition. They were the moments that shaped my identity and set me on a path that would define the rest of my life. Looking back, it's clear that these early encounters with icons like Pearl Bailey and Danny Aiello were more than just fleeting interactions – they were pivotal moments that cemented my love for the world of entertainment and the creative arts.
The 80s: Reinventing the Industry
1984 was a pivotal year for me. At just 20 years old, I was trying to find my own way in the world. I was juggling multiple jobs – working at the First Boston Corporation at 5 World Trade Center during the day and delivering bread in Canarsie, Brooklyn, for The Bread Box on the side. The reason I took that bread delivery job? It wasn’t just about the money; it was so I could use the van for my weekend gigs. DJing had become more than just a hobby – it was my passion. I was living for the weekends, spinning records at parties, and maybe partying a bit too hard at the Funhouse with friends.
I’ll never forget the day I came home, exhausted from the weekend’s escapades, with a shoebox full of cash under my bed. My mother, finding the stack of money that day, looked at me with concern and asked, “Are you selling drugs?” I laughed and responded, “Why do you think I’m selling drugs?” That shoebox wasn’t filled with anything illicit; it was packed with the money I’d earned from DJing. It was in that moment, as I collapsed onto my bed, that something clicked. I realized that this could be more than just a weekend gig - it could be my livelihood. I decided right then and there to quit everything else and focus on my true passion.
Not long after that, in 1986, I saw a Pennysaver ad from a guy named Evan on Long Island. Something about that ad spoke to me, so I took a chance, reached out, and that’s how the EJM days were born. Evan and I hit it off immediately, and together, we redefined what is now known as the event entertainment industry. We looked at what bands were doing at events and knew we could elevate it. We added MCs, DJs, and motivational performers, creating a new kind of entertainment experience. In the tri-state area, we became rock stars in our own right, known for doing every Bar/Bat Mitzvah in town and setting trends that would shape the industry for years to come.
The 80s were transformative years in every sense of the word. I was so focused on work - building a business that was at its peak, doing over 500 events a year, and bouncing from gig to gig - that I didn’t truly understand the meaning of family at that time. My life was a whirlwind of events and opportunities, and while I was laying the foundation for my future success, I didn’t realize how much I was missing on a personal level.
It was during this decade that my daughter Cristina was born, a moment that added an entirely new dimension to my life. Cristina would later give me two beautiful grandchildren, Leo and Ava, who have brought so much joy into my world. As my professional life took off, my personal life was challenging, to say the least, and I didn’t fully appreciate it at the time. It took years for me to understand that while my work was important, my family was truly the core of everything I did and everything I would eventually come to value.
Looking back, those early days - driving the bread truck, DJing all weekend, and navigating the chaos of creating an events industry in New York in the 80s - were the foundation of who I am today. Those struggles taught me the value of hard work, the importance of passion, and the power of taking risks. But more than that, they set the stage for the life lessons I would learn later: that success is sweeter when shared with those you love, and that family is the true constant that keeps you grounded and focused on what truly matters.
The 90s: Embracing New Challenges
The 90s ushered in what I like to call my corporate era. I owe much of my success during this time to Stuart and Rene Baritz, who trusted me enough to give me my first corporate incentive program after years of doing social events for them. I had no idea what I was doing at first, but I was determined to succeed. That first program took me to Puerto Rico, and it was there that I truly began to understand the potential of what I could achieve in the corporate world.
Even as corporate opportunities grew, the demand for our events never slowed down. In fact, during the 90s - even in the face of a recession - we managed to expand and elevate our offerings. People wanted to be entertained, and they craved lavish get-togethers, regardless of the economic climate. Clients who had the means to bring us into their private affairs began to invite us to their corporate events, and soon enough, we were traveling the world with them.
We were producing grand, over-the-top events with big opening numbers, tons of performers, and unforgettable moments. The stories from behind the scenes could fill a book - some crazy, some challenging, but all part of the learning process. As we continued to grow, I found myself constantly asking questions, eager to understand the nuances of the industry and why people did things a certain way.
The events industry was still very young, but we were getting to know each other. We started attending trade shows, meeting others who were doing similar work in different cities and countries. New friendships were forged, and new partnerships were born. It was a different world back then - there was no Google to instantly find out who did what. Instead, it was the sharing of ideas, experiences, and insights that truly propelled us into a new era in our industry.
This period of growth and collaboration laid the groundwork for one of my proudest achievements: Michael Cerbelli’s: The Hot List™. The idea was born out of a desire to recognize and celebrate the best of the best in our industry. It was a culmination of everything I had learned, experienced, and observed throughout the years - a way to honor excellence and innovation, and to give back to the industry that had given me so much.
The 2000s: Expanding Horizons
The new millennium brought with it new adventures, partnerships, and challenges. I discovered that my true talent lay in running a company driven by vision, creativity, and a willingness to defy the status quo. My architectural aspirations evolved into a knack for design, and my love for acting transformed into a confidence that allowed me to take the stage in 2002 and unveil my little black book of ideas with Michael Cerbelli's: The Hot List™. Thousands eagerly sought out these ideas for their events, hanging onto every suggestion. I was incredibly proud of what we created.
When Michael Cerbelli's: The Hot List™ first began, many of my peers were upset with me, saying, “You’re giving everything away, Michael. You’re sharing all our ideas.” But years later, those same people were eager to get on the list, recognizing the value of sharing ideas with the industry. I’ve always believed that I couldn’t give one person 52 jobs a year, but by sharing ideas, that person could get a few jobs from me, others from different sources, and soon, we were building a stronger, better industry. Great performers, products, and activations were being seen by a community that was hungry for fresh ideas to bring back to their clients. I learned to trust my unconventional approach to creating events, and that trust led to massive success.
As the 2000s began, something else started to change…my identity. The name "Emcee Mikey Cee" slowly faded, giving way to Michael Cerbelli. My reputation began to precede me, with people recommending me by saying, "I've got a guy for you." This shift marked the bittersweet end of the EJM era and the beginning of new partnerships. However, over the next 15 years, I realized something important: no matter who you’re partnered with, what truly matters is the name and reputation you’ve built for yourself. Believe in yourself, be ethical, and keep your word, and the world will open its doors for you.
It was during this time that I had a revelation - I didn’t need partners. My unorthodox way of designing and creating events had consistently proven successful, despite being told, "You can’t do it that way." Every time I followed my instincts, the results were bigger, better, and more impactful.
So, with the unwavering love and support of my beautiful wife, whom you’ll hear about shortly, Cerbelli Creative was born. This new venture was not just a business; it was the culmination of years of experience, innovation, and the courage to trust my unique vision.
Family: The Core of My Happiness
Despite all my professional achievements, nothing compares to the joy my family has brought me. My children are the heartbeat of my life, and as they grow, I cherish every moment we share. My oldest, Cristina, has given me two beautiful grandchildren, Leo and Ava, who have added a new level of happiness to my world. Watching Cristina become a mother has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I am so proud of the remarkable woman she has become. Though there was a time when I wasn't as present in her life as I would have liked, I’m incredibly grateful to have her back in my life now. Seeing her love her children with the same depth that I love her fills me with immense pride.
My son Nicholas, now in his third year of college, is carving out his own path, and I couldn’t be prouder of the man he’s becoming. He’s intelligent, driven, and has a kindness that warms my heart. Nicholas has faced challenges, especially during his school years, that might have held others back. Yet, his determination and resilience have led him to incredible accomplishments—he graduated high school with honors and has continued to excel, making the Dean’s List in college. As he prepares to step into the next chapter of his life, I find myself both excited for his future and nostalgic for the days when he was just a little boy. Watching him overcome obstacles and thrive has been one of my greatest joys.
And then there’s my youngest, Kelsie. At 14, she’s at that magical age where she’s beginning to find her own way, discovering who she is and what she wants out of life. She shares my love for the stage and the thrill of the spotlight, with a wise-cracking sense of humor that never fails to brighten my day. When I watch her on stage, I see the same spark of energy and excitement that I felt when the spotlight first hit me, just as it did when Pearl Bailey directed it my way all those years ago. Kelsie knows how to captivate an audience, and I can see the joy it brings her, just as it has always brought me. She’s a little superstar, and I have no doubt she’s going to go far. But as much as I want to hold onto her a little longer, I know she is starting to spread her wings. Her world is expanding – friends, school, and yes, even boys – and while that’s exactly how it should be, it’s a bittersweet reminder that my little girl is growing up. I’m savoring every laugh, every shared joke, and every moment, knowing that these years will pass too quickly.
My children are my pride and joy, and they make me smile every day. They are my heart, and I am deeply grateful for them. As they begin to move forward in their own lives, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought us here.
I am also thankful for the relationships I’ve had throughout my life. Each one has taught me valuable lessons about love, growth, and the pursuit of happiness. We’ve all experienced the ups and downs of sharing a life with someone else – people grow, people change, and when you’re young, you’re often searching for that elusive pot of gold in the happiness someone else might bring you.
I want to express my respect and gratitude to the women who have been part of my journey. They have each played a significant role in shaping who I am today, and for that, I am truly thankful. Through these relationships, I was blessed with my children – Cristina, who brought Leo and Ava into my life, and of course, Nicholas and Kelsie. My family is my heart, and I am incredibly lucky to have them all in my life.
But life, as I’ve learned, is full of surprises. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, someone comes along to change everything. For me, that someone was Denise. I was fortunate enough to meet her with a simple "wink" on Match.com, and from that moment on, my life took on a new beginning. What started as a causal connection quickly blossomed into a deep and meaningful relationship, and I realized that true love is not just about finding someone to share your life with, but finding the person who makes your life better in every way.
Denise has been my rock, my partner, and my best friend. With her by my side, I’ve learned what it truly means to be loved and to love in return. Together, we’ve built a life that I am profoundly grateful for, and I know that with her, I’ve found my true happiness.
True Love: A New Beginning
December 12, 2012, will always be etched in my memory as the day I met Denise, the love of my life. Nearly 12 years have passed since that day, and as we approach our 10th wedding anniversary in 2025, my affection and admiration for her have only grown stronger. Denise has brought an unparalleled joy into my life, showing me the true meaning of being cherished and supported.
When Denise entered my world, I was already a father to two-year-old Kelsie and eight-year-old Nicholas. To have a woman embrace that role and love them as if they were her own is more than I could have ever imagined. Denise didn’t just join our family – she became its heart. She’s not just my wife; she’s my best friend, Mama DeeDee to Kelsie, MD to Nicholas, and the love of my life. Our lives have become a beautifully harmonious blend of love and co-parenting, shared with Susie and Dre, and the unity we’ve created together is something I hold dear.
Denise has given me the greatest gift: the ability to express my emotions freely, to discuss our future, and to plan ahead with joy. She has filled my life with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I never knew was possible. Every time I see how she loves our children – Cristina, Nicholas, and Kelsie – I am in awe of the remarkable mother she has become. She loves them fiercely, as if they were her own, and that kind of unconditional love is something rare and precious. I tell her often that she is my forever love, from the sun, the moon, and the stars. I am blessed with an incredible family, and at the heart of that love is Denise.
As I reflect on our journey together, I want to tell her how profoundly she has changed my life and how deeply I love her. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her. She was the missing piece in my journey – the muse who supported, loved, and inspired me to be a better man, a better human being, a better father, and most importantly, a more compassionate partner.
I am forever grateful that her mother, Noella, said yes when I asked for her blessing to marry her daughter. Now, I take care of my "baby love," just as I promised. I know that Noella is looking down with pride, and every time I look into Denise’s eyes, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to have her by my side. Denise, you have been my anchor, my confidante, and my inspiration. I love you beyond words, and I am endlessly grateful to share this life with you.
Closing: A Journey of Love, Passion, and Legacy
As I near my 60th birthday, I’m filled with a deep sense of gratitude. My life has been a rich tapestry, intricately woven from the people I’ve encountered, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the dreams I’ve chased. Reflecting on these six decades, I value every twist and turn, every triumph and setback, and every moment of joy and heartache. All of it has brought me to where I am today - surrounded by love, driven by purpose, and excited for the future.
Looking forward to the next chapter, I know that with my family, friends, and true love by my side, the best is yet to come. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of my journey. To all those I’ve collaborated with - from the entertainment industry to production companies, caterers, décor teams, and the countless individuals who have helped build, learn, and create alongside me - I am profoundly grateful. Some of you have gone on to achieve remarkable things in your own right, and I’m honored to have played a small part in your stories.
To my immediate family, though my mother and father are no longer with us, their love and lessons continue to guide me. I’m fortunate to still have my sisters, Joanne and Christine, and my brother, Allan. Though our early years saw us growing up and living our own lives, I’m thankful we’ve drawn closer in recent years. The bonds of family have only strengthened with time, and I cherish the closeness we now share.
To my true friends - the ones who’ve always believed in me, who’ve shared in the wild adventures, the laughter, and the stories we’ll never forget - I’m grateful for every moment we’ve shared. Your loyalty and the memories we’ve created are treasures that shape who I am.
To the creatives who continue to inspire me, who challenge me to think bigger, and who remind me daily of the beauty in pushing boundaries. To my team, the ones who truly understand what it means to be a team, and to those special few who have "attended the School of Cerbelli" - your dedication, your talent, and your voices echoing my words back to me fuel my passion and keep the fire alive.
To all the special people who have touched my life and ignited the spark that drives me to create, thank you. You’ve made me the man I am today, and I carry your influence with pride and gratitude.
And most importantly, to Denise, Cristina, Nicholas, Kelsie, Leo, and Ava - thank you for being the center of my world. You’ve given me the gift of reflection, the chance to pause and appreciate these 60 years, and the courage to embrace whatever comes next.
Lastly, as I sit back and reflect on the incredible journey I've been on, I often find myself thinking about my father. He passed away when I was just 10 1/2 years old, and sometimes I wonder what he would think of where I am today. It's surreal to realize that I've now outlived him – he was in his early 50s when he passed, and here I am, approaching 60.
My dad was a hardworking man – a New York City Sanitation Cop who raised a middle-class family of six on just about $26,000 a year. I remember going with him on Saturdays as he bartended at the American Legion Hall in Canarsie, and that taught me the value of hard work from a young age. I also credit him for giving me my sense of style, taking me shopping with him at The Male Shop in Brooklyn, and showing me how to save money by putting $10 a week into my Greenpoint Savings Bank account.
I hear stories about how he was upset with my sister for paying $600 a month for a huge apartment in Brooklyn when she first married. I can only imagine what he would think of what I'm paying for a building in New York City today. I often wonder how proud he would be of what I’ve accomplished and where I stand in the events industry. The simple moments I shared with him, though brief, have left an indelible mark on my life.
If I could have one birthday wish, it would be to sit with my father one last time, share my stories with him, and see his reaction. I would want to let him know that I did it and that he inspired me. And in that wish, I’d want a few other people at the table too – my mom, who was always proud of her “baby” but never really understood what I did for a living. I think until the day she passed; she thought I was still a DJ! But I know I was a big support to her, just as she supported me in my early years. I’d also want Denise’s parents there, to see where we are as a family today. Like my mom, they had a special love for their “baby girl,” and like me, she helped her mom and dad in their later years as well.
Though neither of us grew up rich, their love and hard work made us the family we are now. They taught us how to care for each other, and as I learned later in life, “family first.” I’d want them all to see their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to witness the incredible hearts they have and how they carry on the legacy of love and hard work that was passed down from them to us and now to our children.
It's a comforting thought, imagining that moment when your parents could see just how proud they are of you, through both the good and the bad times. That’s a feeling Denise and I experience every day as we witness our kids' ups and downs, always reminding them of how proud we are of each one of them. This may be the greatest lesson of my 60 years – the importance of expressing that pride and love. And truly, that may be the best birthday gift of all: knowing that everything I’ve worked for over the past 47 years in this crazy industry has been worth it, because it’s brought me to this place, surrounded by the people I love most.
Today, as I celebrate the 47th anniversary of my career and Cerbelli Creative, I look back on my journey and see that the essence of both my career and personal life is deeply intertwined with the love, support, and inspiration of those who have stood by me. From my early dreams of the spotlight to my evolution in the event industry, every step was shaped by passion, resilience, and an unwavering belief in my vision. Above all, it is the love of my family, especially the incredible bond I share with Denise, that has truly defined my legacy.
As I move forward, I do so with a profound understanding that success isn’t just about what we achieve, but about the love and relationships that sustain us along the way. My story is far from over, but it is already richer and more meaningful than I could have ever imagined.
Here’s to the journey ahead, with gratitude for the journey thus far.
