Michael Wolff (Musician): Biography, Family & Career

Any jazz fan who has seen The Arsenio Hall Show remembers the tight bandleader at the piano — that was Michael Wolff. But type his name into a search engine, and you will also find a journalist who wrote a controversial book about Donald Trump. This article is about the musician: the American jazz pianist who has released over 20 albums, raised two actor sons, and lived with Tourette syndrome since childhood.

Born: July 31, 1952 · Genre: Jazz · Known For: Bandleader on The Arsenio Hall Show · Children: 2 (Nat Wolff, Alex Wolff) · Website: michaelwolff.com

Who is Michael Wolff?

Michael Wolff is an American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader, best known for leading the band on The Arsenio Hall Show in the 1990s. Born July 31, 1952, in Victorville, California, he began classical piano studies at age eight and went on to build a prolific career in jazz, releasing more than 20 albums over five decades.

Early life and Tourette syndrome

Wolff was born in Victorville, California, though some sources list New Orleans as his birthplace. He began playing piano at age eight and was drawn to jazz early on.

He has lived with Tourette syndrome since childhood, though he was not formally diagnosed until his 30s. He has spoken openly about how piano and music became his refuge and coping mechanism.

“I’ve had it since I was little, but never knew what it was.”

— Michael Wolff, quoted by NYU Steinhardt

“The piano became my escape.”

— Michael Wolff, on NPR’s Fresh Air

Career highlights

Wolff became widely known as the bandleader and musical director for The Arsenio Hall Show throughout the 1990s, a five-season run that brought him national fame. He has also released about 20 albums as a leader and sideman, and composed music for the film The Tic Code (1999), which was inspired by his experience with Tourette syndrome.

A full discography is available on AllMusic.

Personal life and family

Wolff married actress Polly Draper in 1992; they divorced in 2020. Their two sons, Nat Wolff and Alex Wolff, are both successful actors. In 2021, Wolff married Victoria Wolff.

Did Michael Wolff write a book about Trump?

No — the Michael Wolff who wrote Fire and Fury about Donald Trump is a different person — a journalist and author. The musician Michael Wolff has not written books about Trump. This name collision causes frequent confusion in search results.

Michael Wolff vs. the journalist: quick comparison

Timeline

• 1952 — Born Michael Blieden Wolff in Victorville, California.
• 1960s — Began classical piano study at age eight.
• 1990s — Serves as bandleader and music director for The Arsenio Hall Show (NPR).
• 1992 — Marries actress Polly Draper.
• 1999 — Contributes music to the film The Tic Code.
• 2020 — Divorces Polly Draper.
• 2021 — Marries Victoria Wolff.
• 2023 — Releases memoir On That Note: A Memoir of Jazz, Tics, and Survival (NYU Steinhardt).
• 2025 — Releases album Sunny Day on Sunnyside Records (Sunnyside Records).

Is Michael Wolff respected in jazz circles?

Yes — he is a respected jazz artist with a career spanning five decades and multiple Grammy nominations (Grammy.com). His memoir On That Note is a firsthand account of his life and career, and he continues to perform and record today.

Frequently asked questions