Bio

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Wesley Whatley is an Emmy Award winning creative whose work spans the worlds of live performance, music, theater and television.  As a producer and creative development executive, he has built a distinguished career running some of America's most beloved live shows, including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. Wesley's passion for entertaining live audiences is reflected in his seamless ability to work from the rehearsal room to the board room, blending artistry and innovation at every stage of production.

Originally from Valdosta, Georgia, Wesley’s love for entertainment began at a young age, beginning with piano lessons at age four and marching in his high school band to performing at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando.  After earning a degree in music and business from Stetson University, Wesley moved to New York City, where he joined Macy’s Studios and quickly became an integral part of the creative production team. As show runner for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, he shaped the creative vision of the iconic variety show for over 20 years, overseeing the staging of large-scale live performances, celebrity and talent booking, music production and all aspects of creative production for one of the most-watched variety shows on television.   In addition to his work on Thanksgiving, Wesley led the creative ideation and production of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, America’s largest Independence Day celebration.

Wesley’s creative talents have also earned him recognition as a composer and songwriter across multiple genres, with songs recorded by artists such as Whoopi Goldberg, Matthew Broderick, Jane Krakowski and The Cast of Sesame Street.  In 2008, Wesley composed “I Believe” with lyrics by William Schermerhorn as a featured performance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, performed by Kermit the Frog.  The song was nominated for a 2008 Daytime Entertainment Emmy Award and got its Carnegie Hall debut in 2009 performed by the New York Pops.  In 2010, his song “Yes, Virginia (There Is a Santa Claus)” appeared in the annual Parade and won the Daytime Entertainment Emmy in the Outstanding Original Song category.   In total, Wesley’s work has received 9 Emmy nominations in both the Original Song and Daytime Special categories.

Wesley is an active freelance producer living in New York City.

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Behind the Scenes

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Two people standing close together on a decorated stage, one holding a transparent umbrella. They are wearing winter jackets with hoods and jeans. The background features festive lights and decor.
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