By Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine Staff
Photography courtesy of Scott E Schwimer

Singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer Mike Maimone is set to release his latest single, “On My Way,” on March 7. This heartfelt track is the first glimpse into his forthcoming LP, Guess What? I Love You, is a deeply personal project dedicated to his late husband, renowned PR guru Howard Bragman.

A Song Born from Love

“On My Way” is more than just a song—it’s a memory captured in melody. Originally written as a voicemail during Maimone’s long-distance courtship with Bragman, the tune emerged spontaneously as he anticipated their next visit. “We were always hopping planes to see each other,” Maimone recalls. “Just before one trip, I called him with guitar in hand and sang this little ditty that was running through my head about how excited I was to see him. He didn’t pick up, so I left it as a voicemail. He told me it was fun and catchy and encouraged me to turn it into a full song.”

Photo of Mike Maimone “On My Way” by Scott E Schwimer

That encouragement led to something much greater. In revisiting their voicemails as he worked through his grief, Maimone rediscovered the “On My Way” hook. What started as a simple re-recording evolved into a full-fledged production, complete with stomps, claps, and an expanded arrangement. “It felt like Howard was nudging me to keep going,” Maimone shares. Inspired, he reunited with his band in Nashville to give the song the vibrant energy it deserved.

Guess What? I Love You: A Tribute to Love and Loss

Maimone’s upcoming LP, Guess What? I Love You, serves as a musical diary chronicling his love story with Bragman and the emotional journey following his loss. “Side A is about finding love, and Side B explores loss,” he explains. “I knew this album would be difficult for anyone who has experienced the trauma of losing a loved one before their time. But I didn’t want to leave the listener in darkness—I wanted to find a way out.”

The album is not just a tribute but a testament to resilience. Crafted over two years, it captures Maimone’s raw emotions and reflections, offering listeners an intimate look into his healing process.

A Career Defined by Storytelling

Maimone’s path to music has been anything but conventional. An Ohio native who once played basketball against LeBron James, he transitioned from a business school graduate and accountant to a full-time musician, carving out a niche with his emotive songwriting and powerhouse performances. His style, often compared to Randy Newman, Leon Russell, Tom Waits, and Warren Zevon, has made him a standout in the industry.

While living in Nashville, Maimone was named a Local Artist of the Week by Lightning 100 FM. Now based in Los Angeles, he has already gained recognition from LA Weekly. Over the years, he has performed alongside icons like Stevie Wonder and toured with Blues Traveler and the Plain White T’s. His music has graced TV and film soundtracks and even found a home on the Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field playlist.

Honoring Howard’s Legacy

Following Bragman’s passing, Maimone released Borrowed Tunes, Vol. 2: Songs for You, an album of covers that held deep significance for the couple. His live performances in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago sold out, with all proceeds donated to The Trevor Project. His creative output didn’t stop there—his 2024 EP, Unfollow, explored a single song through five different genre interpretations, showcasing his artistic versatility. Beyond music, he has also completed his first book, a memoir detailing his year of love, loss, and reinvention.

The Journey Continues

As Maimone prepares to share Guess What? I Love You with the world, “On My Way” stands as the perfect introduction—a song that began as a fleeting voicemail but transformed into the heart of his most profound work. “This song went from being a voicemail I had discarded to the lead single on my most emotional and profound album in two decades of music-making,” he reflects. “Howard saw something in it that I didn’t at the time, and now I get to share that with everyone.”

Mike Maimone’s single “On My Way” will be available on March 7. For more updates and music, visit linktr.ee/mikemaimonemusic.

This article was originally published in the 2025 Spring Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.