Leo Kottke is an acclaimed American acoustic guitarist known for his innovative fingerpicking style, which draws on influences from blues, jazz, and folk music. Born on September 11, 1945, in Athens, Georgia, Kottke was raised in 12 different states, a background that would contribute to the rich tapestry of musical influences in his work. He taught himself to play the guitar as a child, and after a stint in the Navy during the Vietnam War, he launched his career with his 1969 album "6- and 12-String Guitar," which showcased his virtuosity and set the stage for a prolific career.

Kottke's expressive, often complex melodies are coupled with his gruff, distinctive voice, which has featured more prominently in his later work after initially focusing on instrumental compositions. His career has spanned multiple decades, with a discography including more than two dozen albums. His most recent releases, such as "Noon," continue to showcase his masterful guitar work and evolution as an artist. Despite dealing with partial hearing loss and tendinitis, Kottke has continued performing and recording, collaborating with other artists such as Mike Gordon on "Sixty Six Steps" and maintaining a loyal fan base with his exceptional live performances and his status as an influential figure in the world of fingerstyle guitar playing.

Genres

American Primitive

Fingerstyle

Related Artists

John Fahey

Ry Cooder

Tommy Emmanuel

Bert Jansch

James Taylor

Joni Mitchell

Nick Drake

John Renbourn

Lyle Lovett

Taj Mahal

Doc Watson

Chet Atkins

Latest Release

Noon

Leo Kottke•

Mike Gordon

Album - 11 Tracks - Released August 28, 2020