In the latest episode of our podcast, we delve into the extraordinary life and career of legendary songwriter Jeffrey Steele. This episode is a rich tapestry of stories that span decades, from the vibrant music scenes of Hollywood and Nashville to the deeply personal influences that have shaped Steele's songwriting journey. It's an episode that touches on the profound impact of family, the evolution of the music industry, and the enduring power of resilience and creativity.
One of the most compelling aspects of Steele's story is the profound influence of his late father. Growing up in 70s California, Steele was deeply affected by his father's life and work as a machinist. This emotional connection is vividly illustrated in Steele's song "What Hurts The Most," which received praise from industry legends and fans alike. Steele's reflections on his father's impact are a heartfelt tribute to the ways in which family can shape an artist's identity and career.
The episode also takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the dynamic music scenes of Hollywood and Nashville. Steele recounts his early days performing at iconic venues like the Palomino, where he rubbed shoulders with bands like The Police and the Eagles. These experiences were instrumental in shaping Steele's musical style, blending rock, country, and alternative influences. A pivotal moment in Steele's career came when he met Tony Brown, a meeting that would significantly shape his trajectory in Nashville and offer a unique glimpse into the music industry's evolution.
Steele's journey is not without its challenges, particularly in the context of the modern music industry. The episode explores the impact of economic conditions and the challenges songwriters face in the streaming era. Steele reflects on the nostalgia for the era of physical sales and mechanical royalties, which provided more substantial earnings for songwriters compared to today's streaming revenue. This discussion highlights the difficulties of standing out in an industry overwhelmed by an influx of media and content.
A particularly memorable story from the episode is Steele's encounter with Kris Kristofferson in a North Hollywood alley. Kristofferson 's advice to "never do it for the money" resonated deeply with Steele and became a guiding principle in his career. This anecdote underscores the importance of passion and authenticity in the music industry, a theme that runs throughout Steele's stories and advice for aspiring musicians.
The episode also delves into Steele's personal struggles and triumphs. In the mid-90s, after his band broke up, Steele embarked on a solo career with Curb Records, performing 200 shows a year and dealing with severe vocal issues. A turning point came when he met Dr. Tom McDonald, who taught him a new way to use his voice, leading to an 18-month hiatus from singing. This period marked the beginning of Steele's successful songwriting career, with hits for artists like Rascal Flatts, illustrating how setbacks can lead to new opportunities.
Collaboration is another key theme in Steele's journey. The episode recounts his serendipitous collaboration with Craig Wiseman on the song "Cowboy and Me," highlighting the playful yet competitive atmosphere of their songwriting sessions. Steele's stories emphasize the camaraderie among songwriters and the unexpected moments of creativity that can lead to timeless hits.
One of the most poignant stories shared in the episode is the creation of the song "What Hurts the Most." Originally intended to honor Steele's father with the title "What Meant the Most," a serendipitous moment during a recording session led to the title change. This shift profoundly impacted the song's emotional depth, demonstrating the power of a single word in transforming a song. Steele's reflections on this experience offer valuable insights into the creative process and the lessons learned from songwriting legends.
The episode concludes with a nostalgic look at the evolution of Music Row in Nashville. Steele shares memorable encounters with notable artists and reflects on the changes in the music scene over the years. His stories highlight the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry and offer advice for upcoming musicians on finding their own path.
In summary, this episode is a treasure trove of insights, anecdotes, and inspiration from one of the most influential songwriters in country music. Steele's stories of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of family and collaboration offer a rich and compelling narrative that will resonate with listeners. Whether you're a music lover, an aspiring songwriter, or simply someone who appreciates a good story, this episode is a must-listen.
A five time Grammy Nominee, Jeffrey Steele has been recognized by BMI for over 65 million airplays for hits he penned for a multitude of artists including Keith Urban, Eric Church, Zac Brown Band, Jimmy Buffett, Montgomery Gentry, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cher, .38 Special, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins, LeAnn Rimes, Rascal Flatts and Van Zant, Joe Cocker, Little Feat ft. Bob Seger, Joe Bonamassa, Cascada and more. Among his many accolades over the past few years, Jeffrey Steele has been named to the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, honored by the Country Music Hall of Fame as a Poet and Prophet, twice awarded BMI Songwriter of the Year and thrice the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Songwriter of the Year. CMA has twice awarded him the coveted “Triple Play Award” for three No. 1 songs in a year. His country and A/C mega-hits include a string of chart toppers including: “Raise ‘Em Up”, “Knee Deep”, “Here,” “My Wish,” “The Cowboy In Me,” “These Days”, “My Town”, “Something to be Proud of”, “Everyday” and the groundbreaking “What Hurts The Most,” nominated for Best Country Song at the Grammy Awards. Additionally, he has won over 35 BMI Country and Pop awards, was nominated for a Golden Globe and Critic’s Choice Award for Best Original Song “I Thought I Lost You” for the Disney/Pixar animated feature BOLT, performed by Miley Cyrus and John Travolta, been named one of Billboard Magazine’s top 5 writer’s 8 years in a row, as well as Music Row Magazine’s Songwriter of the Year Award. Steele’s latest album features performances with Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Jamey Johnson, John Rich and others.
