Steve Edwards

1976 Guitarist, Vocalist, Keyboardist, Mandolin, Harmonica, and Fire Breather, Steve Edwards.

Brilliant guitarist and composer Steve Edwards is the dynamic powerhouse behind the exceptional new Cover Band 1976. Born into a musical family from Nashville, Tennessee and a former child prodigy, Mr. Edwards’ exquisite technique, breathtaking musicality, and charismatic stage presence have established his reputation as one of the foremost guitarists of his generation—continually captivating audiences with his electrifying energy and superb musicianship.

Mr. Edwards began playing piano at the age of five and began studying guitar at age eleven after hearing a classical guitar recital at his church on Easter Sunday. Since then, Edwards has concertized throughout the United States and Europe as a recitalist, chamber musician, and soloist—as well as half of the renowned Edwards-Simmons Guitar Duo. After receiving his bachelor’s degree on a scholarship to DePaul University, where he studied with legendary guitarist Leon Borkowski, Mr. Edwards pursued his Master’s degree at DePaul under the instruction of Mark Maxwell. Mr. Edwards has studied and worked with such world-famous guitarists as Pepé Romero, Christopher Parkening, Denis Azabagic, Douglas Niedt, and Robert Guthrie. An exceptionally talented classical guitarist, Mr. Edwards received the distinguished honor of runner up in the Society of American Musicians Guitar Competition.

A versatile chamber musician, Mr. Edwards’s preeminent performance career has included collaborations with many notable artists, including flamenco guitarist Carlos Montoya, legendary jazz pianist George Shearing, and violin virtuoso Gidon Kremer. Mr. Edwards’ extensive theatre credits include The Goodman Theatre’s production of Fecerico García-Lorca’s “Yerma” and Light Opera Works’ production of “Man of La Mancha.” Recordings of Mr. Edwards have been featured on national broadcasts by Chicago’s fine arts radio station, 98.7WFMT as well as on Radio France.
Having played in bands since the age of eleven, Mr. Edwards formed his newest Band 1976. He has devoted a lifetime of experience to performing and has appeared in concert with Dave Mason, Buddy Guy, and George Shearing.

Mr. Edwards is a prolific composer and arranger for film and live theatre. His compositions on his World Music Group Guitarra Azul’s trio of CD’s “Mariposa”, “Oasis” and “Lotus Flower” have received great acclaim as well as enthusiastic reception from audiences Worldwide.