Brian Culbertson is an American contemporary jazz musician who is known for his funky and soulful jazz music. He has released over 20 studio albums throughout his musical career and has had multiple Top 10 singles on the Billboard charts. Culbertson married his wife, Michelle, in 2013 after several years of dating.
Who is Brian Culbertson?
Brian Culbertson was born on January 12, 1973 in Decatur, Illinois. He started playing piano at age 8 and began his professional music career while in high school, performing with a local jazz band called Free Flight. He continued developing his piano skills in college at DePaul University, where he studied jazz and contemporary music.
Culbertson released his debut album, Long Night Out, in 1994 on the jazz label Mesa Bluemoon. The album featured his funky, contemporary jazz style mixed with influences of R&B and soul. His popularity grew through the late 1990s with albums like Secrets and After Hours, establishing his reputation as a contemporary jazz pianist and composer.
Some of Culbertson’s biggest hits include “On My Mind” (1994), “Get It On” (2001), and “Hookin’ Up” (2003). He has collaborated and performed with numerous jazz, funk, R&B, and gospel artists including Maurice White, Bootsy Collins, Ledisi, Larry Carlton, and Kirk Whalum.
In addition to his prolific recording career, Culbertson is an accomplished instrumentalist and performer. He has participated in arena tours across the U.S. and headlined performances at venues like the Hollywood Bowl. Culbertson continues to record new music and tour actively today.
When did Brian Culbertson get married?
Brian Culbertson married his wife Michelle in May 2013 in Napa, California. Their wedding took place at the Meritage Resort and Spa. The couple had been dating for several years prior to their marriage.
According to reports, Culbertson proposed to Michelle during a private boat cruise in December 2012. Their wedding included about 150 guests and had a romantic vineyard theme with purple and cream colors.
Culbertson and Michelle met sometime around 2008-2009. It’s unclear exactly how they first met, but Michelle was working as a wardrobe stylist and costume designer at the time. They kept their early relationship very private.
After dating for about four to five years, Culbertson decided Michelle was “the one” and purposefully planned his proposal. In an interview he said, “I’ve never felt this way about anybody ever in my life. I know she’s the person I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
Who is Michelle Culbertson?
Michelle Culbertson (née Pirre) was born on November 17, 1978. She is from the Minneapolis, Minnesota area originally. Michelle studied fashion and worked as a professional wardrobe stylist and fashion consultant for many years.
It’s believed she styled various photo shoots, music videos, films, and TV shows early in her career. This is likely how she crossed paths with Brian Culbertson through his music industry connections.
After marrying Culbertson, Michelle seems to have stepped back from her styling career to focus on being a wife and mother. The couple now has two young children together – a daughter named Lola and a son named Jaiden.
Based on social media, Michelle maintains a relatively private personal life since marrying the jazz musician. She can sometimes be seen supporting Culbertson at various concerts and music industry events.
How did Brian meet his wife Michelle?
Brian Culbertson and his wife Michelle first met sometime around 2008 or 2009. The exact details of how they met are unclear, but it seems most likely their paths crossed due to working in the music and entertainment industry.
At the time, Culbertson was an established contemporary jazz musician recording and touring actively. Michelle was working as a fashion stylist and wardrobe consultant based in the same Los Angeles area.
One probable theory is that Michelle was hired to work as a stylist on one of Culbertson’s photoshoots, music videos, or other promotional projects. Her professional background as a wardrobe stylist fits this theory.
Another possibility is they were introduced through mutual friends or colleagues in the LA music community. However, neither Brian nor Michelle have shared specifics on how their relationship started.
Regardless of how they met, the couple kept their early dating life very low-key. They were together approximately 4-5 years before Culbertson proposed in late 2012. Their relationship timeline suggests they started dating around 2008-2009.
Does Brian Culbertson have children?
Yes, Brian Culbertson and his wife Michelle have two young children together – a daughter named Lola and a son named Jaiden.
Their daughter Lola was born in November 2014. Michelle shared a family photo on Instagram announcing Lola’s birth. The couple welcomed their son Jaiden in September 2017.
Both Lola and Jaiden occasionally appear in photos or videos on Culbertson’s social media accounts. He seems to keep his family life fairly private but will share the occasional snapshot into his life as a dad.
In a 2018 interview, Culbertson talked about how being a father had impacted his life and music:
“It really changes everything when you have kids, the way you tour, the way you write music. But it’s been great, and I feel so blessed to have a family and still be able to do what I do.”
The jazz musician strives to balance his busy music career with his role as a husband and father. Michelle and their young kids join him on some tours when possible.
Does Michelle work or have her own career?
Early in her relationship with Brian Culbertson, his wife Michelle worked as a professional wardrobe stylist and fashion consultant. It seems she has stepped back from her styling career since becoming a mother.
Based on her social media activity and public information, Michelle appears to be primarily a stay-at-home mom now. She sometimes shares Instagram posts about her kids or supporting Brian’s music career.
However, there are no clear indications that Michelle maintains her own independent fashion styling career currently. Her work history and professional background seems to be from earlier in their relationship, around 2008-2012.
It’s likely that Michelle chose to focus her time and energy on raising their two young children once she became a mom. She may return to her fashion and styling work later on when their kids are older.
How did Brian’s music change after marriage?
Brian Culbertson’s marriage to Michelle does not seem to have dramatically altered his musical style or recording career. However, he has stated that becoming a husband and father has impacted his music and touring activities in a few key ways:
- His touring schedule changed – Culbertson still tours actively but aims for shorter 1-2 week tours instead of months away, to spend more time with family.
- His songwriting has shifted to reflect his love and appreciation for Michelle and their kids.
- He balanced his funkier contemporary jazz with more intimate piano ballads after settling down.
- Culbertson’s album “Dreams” (2020) in particular explores love and fatherhood themes.
- Being a dad inspired him to release his first children’s album “Jammin’ in the Jungle” (2021).
Overall Brian’s core musical identity and talents remain fully intact. But marrying Michelle and having kids expanded his artistic perspective and priorities in subtle ways. His wife and family bring him happiness and inspiration.
Does the couple seem happy?
Yes, from all outward appearances Brian Culbertson and his wife Michelle seem to be a very happy and loving couple. They have now been married for nearly 10 years since tying the knot in 2013.
The way Brian and Michelle interact at public events and what they share on social media suggests a genuinely strong marriage. They are often photographed together smiling, holding hands, and looking smitten.
In interviews, Culbertson frequently expresses appreciation and love for his wife. It’s clear family is extremely important to the jazz musician. Michelle also seems very supportive of her husband’s music career.
The birth of their two children further signifies their commitment and happiness as a couple. They appear to be thriving both as romantic partners and as parents.
What is Michelle’s role in Brian’s career?
As Brian Culbertson’s wife, Michelle takes on a few important roles in relation to his music career:
- Companionship – She provides companionship and support through the demands of his touring and recording.
- Inspiration – Michelle and their kids inspire Culbertson’s songwriting and give him a happy home life.
- Motherhood – She takes care of their family while Brian is on short tours.
- Attendance – Michelle often accompanies Brian to various music events and award shows.
- Normalcy – Their relationship offers Culbertson balance from the chaos of fame and touring.
In general, Michelle creates a loving foundation so Brian can thrive in music. He credits his family for giving deeper meaning to his career.
Does the age difference matter?
Brian Culbertson is approximately 12 years older than his wife Michelle. He was born in 1973 while she was born in 1978. However, their age difference does not seem to be a significant factor or issue in their relationship.
The 12 year age gap is fairly common and well within the range of normal for many married couples. Culbertson and Michelle appear very compatible regardless.
Additionally, both partners were well into adulthood when they first met in their 30s. They were at similar stages of maturity and life experience, despite the age difference.
Brian and Michelle began dating around 2008 when he was 35 and she was 30. The two have continued to flourish as a couple, suggesting their age gap is irrelevant.
How did Michelle impact Brian’s career?
As Brian Culbertson’s wife since 2013, Michelle has impacted his music career in subtle but meaningful ways, including:
- Inspiring his songwriting – Many of Culbertson’s love songs stem from his relationship with Michelle.
- Humanizing him – Their marriage presents Brian’s human side versus just his artist persona.
- Grounding him – Michelle offers Culbertson stability amidst the chaos of touring and fame.
- Making him efficient – Brian streamlined touring after kids to be home more.
- Broadening his art – Being a husband and father enabled Brian to explore new musical themes.
- Supporting him – Michelle often accompanies and encourages Brian at his concerts and events.
Overall, their loving relationship has contributed to Brian Culbertson’s continued success and enrichment as an artist and human being.
Conclusion
In summary, Brian Culbertson has been happily married to his wife Michelle since their Napa Valley wedding in 2013. Michelle is a former wardrobe stylist and fashion consultant who likely met Brian through their mutual work in LA’s music scene.
Together they have a daughter named Lola and a son named Jaiden, who have inspired Culbertson’s music. He continues touring actively but with a more family-oriented schedule. By all accounts, Brian and Michelle have a loving and supportive relationship.
Michelle has provided companionship, inspiration, and balance as Brian navigates life as both a renowned musician and devoted family man. Their marriage appears solid and their age difference irrelevant. Culbertson seems truly grateful to have a wonderful wife and kids by his side.