Joe McGinty is most widely known for his association as the keyboardist for The Psychedelic Furs He is also the founder of the popular New York-based Loser's Lounge tribute series. He runs a piano bar, Sid Gold's Request Room with co-owner Paul Devitt with locations and Manhattan and Detroit.

McGinty has also worked with Ryan Adams, The Ramones, Nada Surf, Kevin Ayers, Martha Wainwright, Die Monster Die, Devendra Banhart, Ronnie Spector, Jesse Malin, Amy Rigby, Space Hog and others. He has composed music for independent films and TV shows, including HBO's G String Divas.

McGinty has worked alternately as musical director for a variety of New York theaters, including the Vineyard Theatre and the New York Theater Workshop.