Tim Young
(Author, Creator, Co-Producer, Voice of "Murphy")

Raised in the ski hamlet of North Conway, New Hampshire, Tim Young's musical talent and love for dogs was evident as a small child. He often sang for guests at his parent's country inn and spent countless hours on the floor with the family's black Labrador, "Mitsy."

He learned to play drums at the age of 11, and formed a band at 15 that toured throughout New England for the next 4 years. Young served as the drummer and lead vocalist.

High school gave way to Boston's famed Berklee College of Music where Young was exposed to a myriad of musical influences from all over the planet. His experience prompted him to head west for Los Angeles with another musician friend.

In LA Young delved into the music business, working for Stevie Wonder's "Writers Quarters West" studio in Hollywood. He learned the ropes of engineering and producing. He consequently began writing organic pieces on guitar and piano that became the catalyst for his true calling in the world of music.

Next, Young went to work for Virgin Records. He worked with artists such as Paula Abdul, Tina Turner, Ben Harper, David Bowie and most frequently, The Rolling Stones.

A fateful dream in 2000 brought forth "Murphy's Safety Songs."

"I awoke with the concept of 'Murphy' in my head," recalls Young. "The idea, the songs, the marketing, everything seemed to pour out of me faster than I could write it down. It was far too powerful an experience to ignore - so I didn't," claims Young.

"The title character (and narrator of the story) is inspired by a real-life 'Murphy,' explains Young. "A little guy who taught patience and faith, just by being himself," Young shared. "A little guy who brought out the best in people," Young recalls. "Boy, I loved that dog," says Young.

With the remarkable team of John Nooney (co-producer of the music) and Tom Price (Illustrator) on board, the project came to fruition and was published in 2004.

"This is what I was meant to do," declares Young. "There is nothing more natural for me, as it combines all of my joys and affinities into something that's fun and can go in many different directions."

Young resides in Los Angeles. He keeps an open mind (and door) that he'll find his own "Murphy" in an adopted Boston Terrier in the near future.

 

John Nooney
(Co-Producer, Engineer)

John Nooney was born in Montana and Graduated with honors from the University of Montana with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Composition. He continued his education with graduate studies in electronic music and orchestration while starting his own production company, providing music for advertising.

He eventually found his way south to Los Angeles, where he is writing/producing music for Film & TV. Currently his music can be heard on various Network shows including "Survivor," "Last Comic Standing," " Big Brother" and the upcoming Shaquille O'Neal show "Fit Kids." His Music is also heard weekly on several Discovery Network shows including "American Chopper," "Dirty Jobs," "American Hot Rod," "Really Big things," "American Casino" and the hugely successful "Shark Week."

John lives just outside of Hollywood in Woodland Hills with his wife and new baby; He still finds time to write music in-between diaper changes.

 

 

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