Steve Morse, a renowned instrumental rock guitarist, was born on July 28, 1954, in Hamilton, Ohio, USA. Growing up, he drew inspiration from iconic bands like the Beatles, Yardbirds, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin, as well as country music. At the age of 13, Morse moved to Georgia with his family, where he discovered his passion for classical guitar after witnessing a live performance by Juan Mercadal.
Morse's fascination with Mercadal led him to study with the artist at the University of Miami, where he also formed his first band, Dixie Dregs. The group, initially known as the Dregs, went on to record eight albums of impressive fusion, showcasing Morse's experimental approach to instrumental rock music. During this period, Morse also pursued his passion for flying, earning his pilot's license and continuing to fly as a hobby.
In the 1980s, Morse formed the Steve Morse Band with drummer Rod Morgenstein and bassist Jerry Peek. Their debut album, The Introduction, featured a unique blend of instrumental rock fusion, with a guest appearance by Albert Lee. Stand Up, released shortly after, included performances by renowned guitarists Eric Johnson and Peter Frampton, introducing a more vocal presence to Morse's music.
After a brief stint with Kansas, Morse released his first solo album, High Tension Wires, which also featured a reunion of the original Dixie Dregs on the track "Leprechaun Promenade." By the time Southern Steel was released, the Steve Morse Band had solidified into a core team consisting of Morse, bassist Dave LaRue, and drummer Van Romaine.
Throughout his career, Morse has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Eddie Van Halen, Steve Howe, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. He has also won numerous accolades, including five consecutive Best Overall Guitarist awards from Guitar Player magazine, making him ineligible for future consideration. In 1994, Morse joined Deep Purple for a spell, and his work with the band has continued to the present day.
The Steve Morse Band's sixth album, Structural Damage, showcased an undiminished talent, featuring tracks like the Celtic-influenced "Sacred Ground" and the cinematic "Dreamland." Morse's latest solo album, Split Decision, was released in February 2002, and he has continued to work on various solo projects while also recording with Deep Purple. The long-awaited new studio album from Deep Purple is expected to be released later in 2002.
