Earl Klugh

It is no wonder The New York Times proclaims GRAMMY®-winning guitarist Earl Klugh, “…a guitarist with impeccable technique.” Klugh's career of more than four decades includes over 200 compositions, more than 30 full-length albums, hosting and producing his own events, work in film and numerous world tours. He has recorded 23 Top Ten charting records – five of them #1 – on Billboard’s Jazz Album charts, selling multi-millions worldwide. With 2008’s The Spice of Life, Klugh earned his 12th career Grammy nomination - his second nomination and release on the independent Koch label.

As a composer and songwriter, Klugh’s credit appears on recordings by Aretha Franklin, Jamie Foxx, Roberta Flack, Mary J. Blige, Al Jarreau and many others. He has been invited to play as a guest artist by such diverse peers and admirers as Jimmy Buffett, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Miles Davis and Brenda Russell, and has recorded legendary collaborative albums with George Benson and Bob James.

At the age of 13, Klugh was captivated by the guitar playing of Chet Atkins when Atkins made an appearance on the Perry Como Show. Klugh was a performing guest on several of Atkins' albums. Atkins, reciprocating as well, joined Earl on his Magic In Your Eyes album. Klugh was also influenced by George Benson, Wes Montgomery, The Beatles, Laurindo Almeida and many other diverse artists. His sound is a blend of these jazz, pop and rhythm and blues influences, forming a potpourri of melodic music original to only him.

Klugh continues to tour worldwide. Each spring, Klugh serves as host and executive producer to his annual “Weekend of Jazz at The Broadmoor” event featuring world-renowned jazz artists at the award-winning Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, CO. Al Jarreau, Ramsey Lewis, Patti Austin, Chuck Mangione, Bob James, Joe Sample, Chris Botti, Roberta Flack, Arturo Sandoval and many more have all performed at the annual event set in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies. April 2011 marks Klugh's 8th Annual Weekend of Jazz (weekendofjazz.com).