Donald Markowitz – Biography

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 a 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, as well as Golden Globe and Grammy honors, and remains a defining classic of modern film music.

Based in New Orleans, Markowitz is the founder of Mid City Sound Studios New Orleans, where he continues to produce and develop artists across genres, blending modern production with the city’s deep musical traditions. We are a music and film collective partnered with Fire on the Bayou productions and the Irvin Mayfield Studio. Our clients have ranged from Dr. John, Bobby Rush, Partners in Crime, Cha Wa, Tyron Benoit, Irma Thomas, Lareezy, Branden Lewis, Van Morrison, Taj Mahal, HOTWORX, Blue Runner to all the voice overs 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 and the musicians who keep the city’s rhythms alive. You can find the film at Streetbeat.video.

Across decades in music and film, his work reflects a commitment to strong songwriting, storytelling, and groove-driven production, connecting classic songwriting craft with contemporary recording