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Leo Kottke is an iconic American guitarist and singer-songwriter known for his innovative fingerpicking style that blends elements of jazz, blues, and folk music into a distinctive sound. Having overcome significant personal challenges, including partial hearing loss and tendon damage, Kottke has captivated audiences for over 50 years, releasing more than a dozen acclaimed albums and garnering two Grammy nominations. His collaborations, notably with Phish bassist Mike Gordon on projects like "Clone" and "Sixty Six Steps," have further showcased his musical versatility. Born in Athens, Georgia, and raised in various states, Kottke's diverse musical influences began at an early age. After dropping out of college and serving in the Navy, he became a fixture at Minneapolis' Scholar Coffeehouse, where he recorded his debut album, "Twelve String Blues," in 1968. Following a successful partnership with John Fahey's Takoma label and a major-label debut with Capitol Records, Kottke achieved widespread recognition with albums like "Mudlark" and "Chewing Pine." His continuous touring in Europe and Australia has solidified his status as one of America's great guitar masters and storytellers, recognized not only for his music but also for his contributions to the art of guitar playing.
