Stevie Salas, a visionary artist of remarkable versatility, has left an indelible mark on the music industry, having accumulated a storied career that spans an impressive three decades. Throughout his illustrious trajectory, he has had the privilege of collaborating with an array of esteemed artists, including the legendary George Clinton, the pop sensation Justin Timberlake, the iconic Buddy Miles, the influential rapper T.I., the legendary Mick Jagger, and the rock icon Rod Stewart.
As a testament to his unwavering dedication and artistic prowess, Stevie's impressive discography boasts an astonishing tally of over 70 albums, with his own solo albums having sold an impressive two million copies worldwide. This remarkable feat has cemented his status as one of the top 50 guitarists of all time, a distinction that serves as a fitting tribute to his enduring impact on the music world.
Biography:
Stevie Salas was born in 1967 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He began playing guitar at the age of 12 and quickly developed a passion for music that would drive him to pursue a career in the industry. After relocating to Los Angeles in the late 1980s, Stevie began to make a name for himself as a session musician, working with a variety of artists across multiple genres.
Throughout the 1990s, Stevie continued to hone his craft, releasing his debut solo album, "Electric Pow Wow," in 1990. The album received widespread critical acclaim and helped establish Stevie as a force to be reckoned with in the music world. He went on to release several more albums throughout the decade, solidifying his position as a respected artist in his own right.
In addition to his work as a solo artist, Stevie has also collaborated with a wide range of musicians, from rock icons like Mick Jagger and Rod Stewart to hip-hop legends like T.I. and Justin Timberlake. His ability to seamlessly blend his own unique style with that of his collaborators has resulted in a diverse and impressive discography that showcases his remarkable versatility as a musician.
Throughout his career, Stevie has received numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy nomination for his work on the album "Electric Pow Wow." He has also been recognized for his contributions to the music industry, having been named one of the top 50 guitarists of all time by Guitar World magazine. Despite his many accomplishments, Stevie remains committed to his craft, continuing to push the boundaries of his music and explore new sounds and styles.
Stevie, a music enthusiast, hailed from the quaint town of Oceanside, California, where his profound passion for music ultimately led him to bid farewell to his hometown in the year 1985. Just a mere eight months after his departure, he was fortunate enough to be discovered by the illustrious funk legend, George Clinton, who not only became his mentor but also his producer. Under Clinton's guidance, Stevie's remarkable career took off, marked by his first major label producer credit on the album "What up Dog?" by the innovative band Was (Not Was). This critically acclaimed album boasted the hit single "Out Come the Freaks" and was later recognized as one of the top 100 records of the decade by the esteemed Rolling Stone magazine.
In the year 1988, a pivotal moment in Stevie's career unfolded as he embarked on a world tour as the lead guitarist for the renowned Rod Stewart, taking the stage in sold-out stadiums across the globe, a truly unforgettable experience that ultimately paved the way for him to secure the largest record deal Island Records had ever extended to a new artist.
Stevie's debut album, "Colorcode", went on to become a cult classic in the UK and Europe, garnering a devoted fan base, while his second solo album, "Back from the Living", achieved unparalleled success in Japan, culminating in the prestigious "Best Album" award, a distinction that stood out amidst esteemed competition, with the likes of the Rolling Stones and Aerosmith being left in the shadows.
Stevie, a visionary composer, has made a profound impact on the film industry, leaving an indelible mark with his captivating scores for iconic movies such as Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Darfur.
From the years 2006 to 2010, Stevie held the esteemed position of music director and consultant for the renowned American Idol and 19 Entertainment, fostering a collaborative environment with a diverse range of talented contestants, including the successful Kris Allen, the critically acclaimed Adam Lambert, and the chart-topping Chris Daughtry, as well as their respective touring bands, each bringing their unique sound and style to the platform.
In addition to his work with American Idol, Stevie has also been actively involved in several projects that support and promote the cultural heritage and well-being of indigenous communities, including serving as the esteemed Advisor of Contemporary Music at the prestigious Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, a respected institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural traditions and history of Native American communities.
Noteworthy for his unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Native American communities, Stevie was honored with the prestigious Native American Lifetime Achievement Award in the year 2009, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the music industry, which have had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and have helped to shape the musical landscape of our time.
