steve hollingworth>
Born and raised in Ottawa, Canada,
Steve began his formal drum studies a the age of nine with
the great Star Kelly. Drawing from Kelly’s mastery of
rudiments, Steve was soon ready for drum corps by the age
of 10 where he began a stint with the Ottawa Public School
Patrol Marching Band.
At this time he was also performing in the local public school
orchestra and by 13 was playing gigs in his first rock band.This
early experience prepared him to be playing with guitar legend
Pat Travers by the age of 18. He also toured and recorded
with The Cooper Brothers (Capricorn Records) in the late 70’s
bringing him to the drumset position with Butler (Polygram
Records) by the early 80’s and then to touring with
Fist (A&M Records) by the mid 80’s.
The late 80’s, early 90’s brought Steve session
work for radio and T.V. as well as live T.V. appearances backing
artists like Alanis Morissette and Charlie Major.
A move to L.A. and the music scene there brought an association
with session keyboard great Robbie Buchanan who had done sessions
with Celine Dion, Ray Charles, Whitney Houston and Bette Midler,
as well as a songwriting collaboration with Swiss Composer/keyboard
virtuoso Patrick Moraz of Yes and the Moody Blues.
After living between Ottawa and L.A. during the 90’s
Steve hooked up with Les Emmerson who he had done many studio
projects with and accepted Les’ offer to join Five Man
Electrical Band whose hits Signs, Absolutely Right, Moonshine,
Money Back Guarantee etc. had made them household names.
He has been touring since ‘98 with Five Man Electrical
Band and is presently working on a new CD with the group.
His passion and enthusiasm for percussion along with a Best
Drummer award in ‘94 has inspired Steve to pass on over
30 years of experience in jazz, latin, funk and rock to hundreds
of students. He has been a featured performer at drum clinics
promoting Sabian Cymbals, Grover Pro Percussion, Silver Fox
Percussion and Axis Percussion.