Gary Dranow is an artist, musician, and sportsman whose life story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the human spirit.

With his music deeply reflecting his life, Gary’s unwavering dedication to his craft inspires fans and aspiring artists alike.

Gary Dranow and The Manic Emotions send unique ripples through the Blues and Rock music scenes, respectively, with an eclectic and passionate set of songs. Dranow’s work is influenced by the stylings of musical legends such as Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn, which shines through in his music. Currently playing regularly in their hometown of Park City, Utah, Gary Dranow and The Manic Emotions are ready to take the rest of the world by storm.

Dranow is a multifaceted artist passionate about music, sports, and adventure. Born in West Los Angeles, his early years were marked by a profound drive to excel in all pursuits. He excelled in various sports, including equestrian competitions, motorbike racing, and skiing, which earned him multiple titles and sponsorships. During this time, he also became a successful entrepreneur, founding various businesses in the apparel and tech industries.

Over time, Dranow’s love for music remained an integral part of his life. For a decade, he poured his heart and soul into creating the album Destiny Road. The release is an autobiographical and deeply personal musical journey that chronicles his struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. The album was initially written in the 90s, and the band intended to release it in the summer of 1998. It was recorded on Jefferson Airplane’s old 2″ 16 Track machine, owned by his producer Jerry Manfredi. The legend of this machine is they actually had it on their private airplane.

But life had other plans for Gary. “We finished recording the tracks, and then I abruptly moved to Park City, Utah. We never got the chance to master the tracks, and for the next ten years, I concentrated on my ski racing and coaching.”

A few years later, in 2003, one of his ski racing students had an accident, and he was first on the scene to triage her injuries; a giant cut over her eye, which was bleeding profusely, and an obviously broken nose, which he had her reset on her own right there on the mountain.

That same year, Gary had a downhill mountain bike accident in which he fractured his neck and had a concussion from hitting a pine tree just off the trail. The result was four fused vertebrae with a titanium plate and six screws. “When I woke up from the surgery, low and behold, my current and forever wife was sitting by my side. She would come every day for the 10 or so days I was in the hospital. We started dating soon thereafter. We got married two years later.”

2008, Dranow got back into music, and by 2021 he re-established The Manic Emotions with band members in the Salt Lake City area. Almost immediately, they started playing shows. He is a consummate performer; his live sets are a testament to his energy, charisma, and unwavering passion for music.

Dranow’s career has not been without its challenges, and he has faced his fair share of obstacles. His struggles with manic depression have fueled his creativity and inspired him to make music that speaks to the human experience.

“When I was in my late 40s, I was diagnosed as bipolar with mania. For the first time, I had a reference for why I acted out as I did from early childhood until I started to be managed pharmacologically. I blew up three marriages and many relationships due to my over-the-top personality. It wasn’t until I moved to Park City and a Ski Racing buddy of mine referred me to his psychiatrist, Dr. Kalm (really his name. no joke), that I was put on the right combination of meds, and I mellowed out tremendously. Before that, I was hyper-aggressive, and my demeanor often put people off. That all changed under the care of Dr. Kalm. Now I’m as calm as a lake without wind, very stable, and a genuinely nice, caring person.” Gary shares.

To have your personal and professional life disrupted by your sensitivity to others around you sets you back every time you think you have made a step forward. That is where a lot of Dranow’s lyrical inspiration comes from.

“You go to sleep with the world’s weight on your shoulders and then wake the next morning free of those feelings and being surprised you’ve made it another day to take on your daily struggle once again. The song “Made it Another Day” speaks directly to this experience. The lyric ‘Like a rat in a wheel’ brings the image to the life of the never-ending struggle to get your personal life in order only to be dissuaded at the end of every day and that making progress in the inevitable headwinds that buffet your life.” Gary explains.

Gary Dranow is thrilled to be performing and sharing his music with fans once again. His unwavering spirit and determination are an inspiration to all who have followed his journey. Keep your ears open for Gary Dranow and The Manic Emotions in 2023 and beyond.