Donald
Markowitz
Academy Award Winner
Grammy Nominated Songwriter
40+ Years of Producing & Recording Experience
Donald
Markowitz
Donald Markowitz is a New Orleans–based composer, music producer, and songwriter whose work spans hit records, film, and contemporary music production. He is best known as the co-writer of the Academy Award–winning song “(I've Had) The Time of My Life” from the film Dirty Dancing — one of the most iconic movie songs of all time. The song earned the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe, and a Grammy nomination.
Based in New Orleans, Markowitz is the founder of Mid City Sound Studios New Orleans, a music and film collective partnered with Fire on the Bayou productions and the Irvin Mayfield Studio. Clients have included Dr. John, Bobby Rush, Partners in Crime, Cha Wa, Tyron Benoit, Irma Thomas, Lareezy, Branden Lewis, Van Morrison, Taj Mahal, and many more — including voice-over work for Rouses Supermarkets and multiple local politicians.
Markowitz is also the creator and producer of the documentary Street Beat: Drumming Below Sea Level — a film celebrating the culture and legacy of New Orleans drumming. Available at streetbeat.video.
Oscar®
Academy Award Winner
Grammy
Nominated Producer
40+
Years of Producing & Recording
2011
New Orleans Since
From Queens
to New Orleans.
Bass player · Theatre · Songwriter
New York Beginnings
Born and raised in New York City, Donald began as a bass player performing at the Apollo Theatre, Radio City Music Hall, the Cotton Club, and Roseland Ballroom — before co-writing the Academy Award-winning song that would define a generation.
Hollywood, Los Angeles
The Oscar & Hollywood
Co-writing "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" earned Donald the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Original Song. He then spent two decades in Los Angeles writing songs and scores for film and television, including five years as a songwriter for Disney and three years working with producer Steven Bochco.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans & Mid City Sound
In 2011, Donald moved to New Orleans and founded Mid City Sound Studios. He has since produced Grammy-nominated records and collaborated with Van Morrison, Taj Mahal, Dr. John, Art Neville, Cyril Neville, Shane Theriot, and many more.
Landmark credits
"(I've Had) The Time of My Life"
Dirty Dancing — Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
Co-Writer
"(I've Had) The Time of My Life"
Dirty Dancing Soundtrack
Golden Globe — Best Original Song
Decisions
Bobby Rush feat. Dr. John
Producer · Co-writer
Street Beat
Drumming Below Sea Level
Creator · Producer · Director
Film & Television Scores
Hollywood Productions
Composer · Songwriter
Collaborations
Van Morrison · Taj Mahal · Dr. John · Art Neville · Cyril Neville
Producer · Songwriter
The studio where
legacy meets now
Founded by Donald in New Orleans' Mid City neighborhood, Mid City Sound Studios is a world-class recording space built on decades of award-winning expertise. Book a session, explore current projects, and step into the room.
Work with
a Legend
Studio sessions, production consultations, orchestral arrangements — reach out and let's discuss your project.
Get in Touch