Steve Forbert Is an interesting case study on how hard it is to have a lengthy successful career as a working musician.

Steve Forbert broke into the national consciousness in 1978 with the album “Alive on Arrival” and the catchy hit single “What Kinda Guy?”.

The baby face singer songwriter played the fourth floor of the Queens College Student Union in April 1979. Now the fourth floor of the Student Union building was not an ideal place to give or see a musical performance as it was basically a big empty room with chairs set up In it as I recall. However a young musician sometimes has to go where the people are and what better place is there than a college campus to find and win over new fans.

I remember being impressed with Forbett but thinking while I watched him that he needed something more to break really big. He was obviously talented but he needed a band, he needed a Crosby, Stills, Nash to his Young.

Sure enough, this many years later, Steve Forbert is still on the road touring, even playing the occasional local comedy club, and he has released many albums along the way. Unfortunately, just as I thought then, Steve never did make it as a consistent headliner in the larger venues. 

That being said, I have much respect for working musicians who manage to make a living following their passion and doing what they love to do.  It is an admirable pursuit and talented musicians like Steve Forbert should be supported. These tireless inspirational artists are meant to be discovered and enjoyed for their music, vision, and efforts.

Jackrabbit Slim

Rock on

GQ