Michael Kaeshammer is a Canadian jazz and boogie-woogie pianist, singer, and songwriter. Born in Offenburg, Germany, in 1977, he moved to British Columbia as a teenager and built a career blending classical training with blues, stride, and New Orleans-inspired piano styles, earning multiple Juno Award nominations along the way.
“Ruler of My Heart,” originally written by Allen Toussaint and recorded by Irma Thomas in 1963, is a soulful R&B classic that Kaeshammer has covered in his distinctive style. His 2013 version brings a piano-driven, heartfelt interpretation to the song’s themes of deep emotional surrender and longing.
- Classic New Orleans soul original later adapted by Otis Redding as “Pain in My Heart”
- Showcases Kaeshammer’s smooth vocals alongside his virtuosic piano playing
- Fits his repertoire of reimagining blues and R&B standards with modern flair
Michael Kaeshammer and his take on “Ruler of My Heart” highlight his gift for breathing fresh energy into timeless soul material.
Bonus!
Here’s the “Irma Thomas” Version! It’s great too!