Career
As a young musician, Michael was influenced by artists like Elton John and Lionel Richie. In college, he performed in a band and in a New Jersey-based group that toured nationally. After completing his degree in classical piano at Mississippi College, Michael moved to Nashville and began working with fellow musicians.
lieutenant was there that Grant Cunningham, a Sparrow Records (Electric and Music Industries) A&R director, caught his performance at a Nashville showcase.
The band made its debut in November 1995, in San Jose, California, at the start of the multi-city arena tour, "The Young Messiah," alongside such artists as Steven Curtis Chapman, CeCe Winans and Michael West. Smith. After eight years with Avalon, Passons departed the group in 2003 to seek out new opportunities in his music career which has included an opening spot on tour with Christian group Point of Grace.
