Bio

Steve was born in 1954, and grew up in a musical family, learning piano, clarinet, violin, then guitar. Moving frequently around the heartland with his family, Steve played guitar in a band with his brother for a while, before his brother eventually dropped it.

During his guitar forming early years, Steve was exposed to such great rock and roll guitar as Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Beatles, Eric Clapton, John McLaughlin, Al DiMiola, Jeff Beck, Mountain, and other Southern acts.

Steve and friend Andy West formed the Dixie Dregs, and began to write original instrumental music that was great to listen to (and frustrating for budding guitarists), but difficult to dance to at the same time. And what about lyrics?

Steve's utter dedication to instumental rock gained him a strong (and still growing) underground following, but he is familiar with and a veteran of many years of poor record sales (by industry standards), due to the industry's interest in making money more than music. The years of grinding pressure made it easy for him to leave the music business for professional aviation until the itch to return to music returned.

Steve then played with Kansas for a couple of albums, and did some solo work intermingled with some Dregs reunions. This solo work firmly established Steve as a force to be reconed with in the world of guitar, although it proved difficult for any band to keep up with him other than with his trio format.

Enter Deep Purple. Ritchie Blackmore had quit the Aussie band, and Steve was quickly asked to audition. Steve and the other Purple members agreed from the beginning that Steve would be able to grow the band as an individual rather than just fill Blackmore's shoes. The chemistry is still excellent, and Deep Purple continues to make the world their footstool.

Inspite of all the recent success, Steve remains a grounded and approachable person, who balances his heavy touring and recording schedule with family and teaching opportunities, giving workshops whenever possible. Steve is also a prolific writer, and writes columns in major magazines centered on the human and philosophical aspects of being a professional musician.

Links

Steve Morse's Official Web Site

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