Dawson is an award winning composer, producer, and film-maker. His Dallas Symphony Orchestra film collaboration “A Song for Ruth'' is the debut project for his New Mexico based production company Dreamers2Makers Films.

Dawson, who grew up in Michigan and New Mexico, settled in Texas after earning his classical piano performance degree from Eastern New Mexico University. His piano teacher at ENMU was Thomas Uchtmann (Juilliard ‘67) and he later studied with UNT Professor Emeritus of Jazz Studies Dan Haerle. Dawson performed Latin jazz-fusion music with acclaimed saxophonist and composer Mitch Paliga. Dawson and Paliga’s musical partnership gained national recognition in 1985 by winning the American Collegiate Talent Showcase Bronze Prize (ACTS).

When the US economy took a dive in the late 1980’s, Dawson returned to academia to earn an applied science in electronics degree. Dawson was immersed into the world-wide communications revolution and managed projects in the UK, Malaysia, Singapore, and North America. After an intense decade of work as an engineer, music’s siren song called him back to a creative life.

Dawson has produced nine studio albums released on his DIY label. His latest release as bandleader/songwriter is "Roar Electra - Stranger in a Strange Band." In 2021 he joined world renowned producer Brady Blade on the highly anticipated recording project featuring songwriter/playwright Annie Benjamin as the album's keyboardist. Dawson is also the producer for the accompanying BTS mini documentary film about Ms. Benjamin’s Texas recording sessions at Austin’s legendary Arlyn Studios.

“It is a ‘mission critical - all hands on deck’ time for our society. Music, arts, and scientific curiosity are the glue that hold our modern world together. We must fight to keep the arts and sciences relevant. The alternative is too horrible to contemplate” - Michael Dawson