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Beyond The Bench: Five Surprising Facts About James Steven Ginsburg, RBG's Classical Music Maestro

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James Steven Ginsburg, the son of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, has carved out a profoundly unique legacy far removed from the legal world that defined his family. As of late 2024 and early 2025, his work continues to shape the landscape of American classical music through his pioneering, Grammy-winning nonprofit label, Cedille Records. Breaking the mold of his esteemed lineage, Ginsburg has dedicated his life to championing Chicago-area artists, composers, and recording projects, cementing his status as one of the most respected figures in the classical recording industry. His focus remains on producing fresh, unique, and artist-driven albums, many of which have garnered critical acclaim and top industry awards.

The story of James Ginsburg is one of passion, entrepreneurship, and a deep commitment to the arts, proving that genius can manifest in many forms, not just in the halls of justice. His label’s recent and upcoming releases, including projects recorded in 2024 and 2025, underscore his ongoing influence and the label’s commitment to new and diverse voices in the classical genre.

James Steven Ginsburg: Complete Biography and Profile

James "Jim" Steven Ginsburg was born into a family of legal titans, but his destiny lay with the symphony, not the courtroom. His life and career are a testament to following a distinct and impactful personal passion.

  • Full Name: James Steven Ginsburg
  • Born: September 8, 1965, in Washington, D.C.
  • Age (as of late 2024): 59 years old
  • Parents: Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Supreme Court Justice) and Martin David Ginsburg (prominent tax law professor).
  • Sibling: Jane C. Ginsburg (Professor of Literary and Artistic Property Law at Columbia Law School).
  • First Marriage: Lisa Mara Brauston (m. 1995; div. 2009).
  • Second Marriage: Patrice Michaels Bedi (m. 2010). Patrice Michaels is a composer, voice professor, and soprano who has also recorded for Cedille Records.
  • Children: Two daughters, Miranda Ginsburg and Abby Ginsburg, from his first marriage.
  • Education: Attended the University of Chicago Law School, where he founded Cedille Records.
  • Occupation: Music Producer, Founder, and President of Cedille Records.

The Birth of Cedille Records: A Classical Music Nonprofit Empire

Ginsburg's journey into music production began in 1989 while he was a law student at the University of Chicago. He recognized a significant gap in the classical music recording industry: a lack of representation for the exceptional artists and composers working in the Chicago area. This realization led him to found Cedille Records.

The name "Cedille" (the small hook under the letter 'c' in French, which changes its pronunciation) is a subtle nod to the unique, often overlooked artists the label seeks to champion. It was a mission-driven enterprise from the start, focused on providing a platform for local talent that major labels often ignored.

A crucial step in the label's evolution came in 1993 when Ginsburg established The Chicago Classical Recording Foundation, turning Cedille Records into a not-for-profit organization. This structure allows the label to prioritize artistic merit and long-term vision over commercial pressures, a rarity in the competitive recording world. This nonprofit model is central to its success, enabling it to take risks on ambitious, artist-driven projects.

As President, James Ginsburg is deeply involved in every aspect of the label's operations. He oversees all releases and personally produces the majority of the albums. His meticulous approach to production, focusing on sonic excellence and artistic integrity, has been a cornerstone of Cedille’s reputation.

Grammy Success and 2024/2025 Recent Career Highlights

The quality of Cedille Records' output, under Ginsburg's leadership, has been consistently recognized by the industry's highest honors. The label has won numerous Grammy Awards, including multiple wins in 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2016 for various albums and artists.

Personal Grammy Nominations

Beyond the label's collective success, James Steven Ginsburg has been personally nominated for the prestigious Grammy Award for Producer of the Year, Classical, on multiple occasions. These nominations recognize his individual skill and contribution to the art of classical recording.

  • 2020 Grammy Nomination: Nominated for Producer of the Year, Classical (62nd Annual Grammy Awards).
  • 2023 Grammy Nomination: Nominated for Producer of the Year, Classical (65th Annual Grammy Awards).

These nominations highlight his continued relevance and excellence in the field, showcasing his ability to produce world-class recordings year after year.

Fresh Updates: 2024 and 2025 Releases

The label maintains a rigorous schedule, typically releasing between eight and ten new recordings annually. The current slate of projects demonstrates the label's ongoing commitment to diversity and innovation in classical music.

Recent and upcoming releases, some recorded as recently as 2024 and scheduled for 2025, include:

  • *FLUTRONIX, CHICAGO SINFONIETTA, MEI-ANN CHEN | BLACK BEING*: A highly anticipated project showcasing contemporary works.
  • *ALISA JORDHEIM, KUANG-HAO HUANG | PATRICE MICHAELS: ON THE JOYS OF RECORDED MUSIC*: A release featuring his wife, Patrice Michaels, underscoring the collaborative nature of his work.
  • *The Korngold Collection*: An ambitious project by the Pacifica Quartet, with recording sessions spanning 2024 and 2025, ensuring the freshest possible sound quality.

In 2024, Cedille Records also continued its trend of releasing several CDs focused on vocal music, including world premiere recordings, solidifying its role as a key player in showcasing new repertoire.

Topical Authority: The Chicago Classical Music Ecosystem

Ginsburg's work is intrinsically linked to the Chicago classical music scene. Cedille Records is not just a label; it is a vital part of the city's cultural infrastructure. By focusing exclusively on Chicago-based artists, the label has created a self-sustaining ecosystem that nurtures local talent and brings their music to a global audience.

The label’s roster of artists and collaborators represents a who's who of the city’s musical elite, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Pacifica Quartet, Rachel Barton Pine, and the Chicago Sinfonietta. His commitment to recording diverse voices, including both established and emerging artists, ensures the classical genre remains vibrant and relevant.

The legacy of James Steven Ginsburg is therefore twofold: he is the son of an American icon, but more importantly, he is an icon in his own right—a passionate entrepreneur who successfully built a nonprofit recording label dedicated to artistic excellence. His ongoing work with Cedille Records continues to be a powerful force for classical music, ensuring that the world hears the unique sounds emanating from the heart of Chicago.

james steven ginsburg
james steven ginsburg

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