Artist Wiki

Steve Lukather

Overview

Steve Lukather is a renowned American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, celebrated as a founding member of the iconic rock band Toto, where he contributed to timeless hits like "Rosanna" and "Africa." With a prolific solo career and a reputation as a sought-after session musician, Lukather's impressive collaborations span decades, showcasing his melodic guitar style and musical versatility.

Steve Lukather

Steve Lukather is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, arranger, and record producer, best known as the sole continuous founding member of the rock band Toto. Born on October 21, 1957, in Los Angeles, California, Lukather discovered rock music through the Beatles and initially started as a drummer and keyboardist before finding his true calling with the guitar.

Toto and Early Success

Lukather joined Toto at its formation in 1977 alongside David Paich, Jeff Porcaro, and others. The band has released numerous albums and hit singles over decades, making a significant impact on rock music. Notable works include:

  • Debut album "Toto" (1978) featuring the hit "Hold the Line"
  • Grammy Award-winning album "Toto IV" (1982) with hits like "Rosanna" and "Africa"
  • Over 40 million records sold worldwide
  • Multiple Grammy awards won

Session Work

Lukather became one of the most sought-after session guitarists in Los Angeles in the 1970s and 1980s. His session work boasts an impressive resume:

  • Performed on over 1,500 records spanning 36 years
  • Collaborated with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Warren Zevon, Lionel Richie, Richard Marx, and many more
  • Made significant contributions to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album
  • Named by Gibson Guitar Corporation as one of the Top 10 session guitarists of all time

Solo Career

Lukather has also pursued a successful solo career, releasing multiple albums:

  • "Lukather" (1989)
  • "Candyman" (1994)
  • "Luke" (1997)
  • "Santamental" (2003)
  • "Ever Changing Times" (2008)
  • "All's Well That Ends Well" (2010)
  • "Transition" (2013)
  • "I Found the Sun Again" (2021)
  • "Bridges" (2023)

Collaborations and Influences

He is known for collaborating with a range of artists on various projects:

  • Carlos Santana and Jeff Beck ("Lotus Gem", 1992)
  • Larry Carlton ("No Substitutions: Live in Osaka", 2001)
  • Edgar Winter ("An Odd Couple Live", 2010)

Lukather's playing style and musical influences are rooted in:

  • Blues-rock guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page
  • Jazz fusion players like Al Di Meola and John McLaughlin
  • Known for a "melodic and intense" playing style
  • Recognized for recording efficiency, often completing tracks in one take
  • Primarily plays a signature electric guitar manufactured by Ernie Ball Music Man

Awards and Recognition

Lukather's illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades:

  • Multiple Grammy awards, including for co-writing "Turn Your Love Around" for George Benson in 1982
  • Inducted into the RockGodz Hall of Fame on July 30, 2014

Books and Other Projects

Lukather continues to expand his artistic reach through various projects:

  • Toured with Ringo Starr
  • Released an autobiography titled "The Gospel According to Luke" in 2018

Throughout his career, Lukather has maintained a balance between his work with Toto, his solo projects, and his session work, establishing himself as a versatile and highly respected musician in the industry.

Sources

Date added:
Fri Feb 14 2025 09:42:30 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)