Raised in Chester as the youngest of three brothers in a family full of guitar players, Rob started playing fiddle in junior high and trumpet in high school. At the age of 16, he joined a gospel band, playing guitar and fiddle and writing original music. Early on, his family's influences included country, gospel and the likes of Creedence Clearwater Revival and Peter, Paul and Mary.

During the 1980s he moved to central California and worked nights in a recording studio focusing entirely on original music and earning recording time for his own songs. In an unfortunate power saw accident in 1987, Steen amputated three fingers and his left thumb. After the accident, he began concentrating on playing the piano and was back in the recording studio within two years.

In 1991, Steen produced a gospel album for a female artist and wrote 8 of the 10 songs for the album. He started playing guitar again in 1992 and competed at the Lassen County Country Show Down, taking first place in 1999 and 2000 for original guitar tunes. He is currently rewriting some of his songs to have more of a Bluegrass feel.

For a recap, Steen has played fiddle, trumpet, guitar, piano, mandolin, and drums and has written and sung his own songs. At this month's Words and Music, he'll be joined by his wife, Heidi, on harmony vocals.

For bookings and information: rhsteen@digitalpath.net