“a rootsier version of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers” – Paste
A Stephen Kellogg performance is like watching Ted Lasso live. Whether he’s playing music or doing stand-up, his shows leave people inspired and restored. For more than two decades, this wordsmith, TEDx speaker, stand-up comic, author and troubadour, has delighted audiences around the world. Planet Bluegrass calls him “a first-class songwriter with a poet’s gift for fresh imagery”. Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz says, “there are few people in rock n’ roll who are just so great.”
He received the Armed Forces Entertainer of the Year award and has had his work nominated for a Grammy. Rolling Stone magazine describes his sound as “John Prine fronting the Heartbreakers.” 2023’s Sit Down & Stand Up Tour was a one-man show that opened to rave reviews. A mix of music, humor and storytelling, each performance paints a unique canvas that covers the full spectrum of emotions. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll go home with a full heart.
Kellogg claims that when he was growing up, his musical interests were divided. His father’s record collection was devoted to ’70s singer/songwriters like Jim Croce and Cat Stevens. Also, his sister’s rock & roll discs were dominated by hair metal acts such as Bon Jovi and Mötley Crüe. Curiously, Kellogg’s music represents a meeting point between these two styles. His songs delve deep into the personal but make room for love and celebration. Additionally, the music, which is intelligent and intimate, is also full of rock & roll passion and electricity.
Kellogg’s earliest work found a middle ground between contemporary singer/songwriter material and easygoing roots rock. Moreover, he incorporates elements of heartland rock: he has often cited Tom Petty as a personal favorite. Further, rock, folk, Americana, blues and roots rock are all part of his sonic recipe.
Recommended for Fans of Josh Ritter, Griffin House, Joe Pug and Amos Lee.
LEARN MORE: https://www.stephenkellogg.com/
PHOTO CREDIT: Kevin Ferguson
