Craig Cortello, The "Canine Crooner," composes original songs honoring man's best friends to raise awareness for animal rescue and the organizations that work tirelessly in that effort. His album Dog Tales was released October 1st, 2022 and is currently available on all major music streaming platforms. Locally in the New Orleans area in cooperation with Louisiana SPCA, Northshore Humane Society, and Zeus' Rescues, Craig has create music videos featuring their adoption dogs! (Subscribe to the @CanineCrooner channel on YouTube and on Instagram for the latest content). In addition to the rescue organizations noted above, Craig has also supported Once Upon a Tail Rescue and Friends of Jackson County Animal Rescue by donating performance fees, CD sales, and audience donations at Canine Crooner Live! events. 

Craig is a New Orleans-based songwriter (ASCAP) crossing a wide variety of genres including jazz / jazz-pop crossover, acoustic / singer-songwriter, and R&B / Blues. Songs have been performed by local artists including Romy Kaye, Amy Alvarez, and Matt Lemmler.

Influences are varied but include The Beatles, Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs, Ben Folds, Todd Rundgren, Nellie McKay, Frank Sinatra, Fiona Apple, Dave Frishberg, The Manhattan Transfer, and Randy Newman.
 
I began playing guitar at the age of 13, performing in rock groups in high school, and later in New Orleans club bands during the new wave era in the 80's. Turning my focus to songwriting thereafter, I try to compose songs that tell thoughtful stories and have interesting chord progressions, in the same vein as the artists noted above.