Artist/Band: Steve Spurgeon
Music Genre: Country
Websites or Social Media Pages
YouTube: @stevespurgeon2646
https://www.instagram.com/stevespurgeonsr/
https://www.facebook.com/share/16bVZ2Fkns/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Nonprofit:
Steve Spurgeon bio:
Steve Spurgeon, known as “The Dreamer,” resides in Bellevue, Nebraska. His musical style blends country, soul, folk, soft rock, and pop, influenced by artists like The Impressions, The Spinners, The Stylistics, The O’Jays, Bob Marley, The Jackson 5, The Osmonds, The Bee Gees, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Johnny Cash, The Oak Ridge Boys, Parliament and the Funkadelic, The Isley Brothers, KC and the Sunshine Band, James Taylor, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Stevie Wonder, and many others.
Raised on military bases in the 1970s and 1980s, Steve was exposed to diverse influences reflecting the multicultural community. He has dedicated his life to pursuing his dreams and inspiring others.
Steve’s unwavering belief that our dreams come from God has been a guiding principle. He has passionately pursued both sports and music, achieving significant success in both fields. He was inducted into the Nebraska Baseball Hall of Fame as a baseball player and the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame as the lead vocalist of his cover band, The Confidentials, affectionately known as “The Midwest’s favorite party band.”
Steve Spurgeon, a renowned musician, has shared the stage with iconic acts like Grand Funk Railroad, Kool and the Gang, and Starship, drawing inspiration from diverse musical influences. His performances prioritize entertainment and create an immersive experience.
Beyond his captivating stage presence, Steve’s original music offers a profound emotional connection. His distinctive vocal range, reminiscent of Bob Marley, James Taylor, and Neil Diamond, remains uniquely his own.
Since 2022, Steve has collaborated with esteemed musicians in Nashville, recording his compositions in professional studios.
Since 2020, Steve has dedicated himself to private performances, honoring police and firefighters as America’s unsung heroes with a poignant tribute inspired by the sacrifices made on September called “Wake Up in the USA!”. With the release of his new album he anticipates resuming public performances this year.
Stevins J Spurgeon Sr,
What Musical Genre Do You Feel Best Describes Your Music And How Would You Describe Your Sound?
It would depend on the song. “Wake up in the USA “ has a country flavor, but “Greatest gift” sounds more soulful. I have some music coming out in the future that is more gospel and Christian as well. Categorizing my music has been a challenge. As I collaborate with the musicians that I record with, it is a blend of their sound with mine. But I guarantee it’s all Music that will make you feel better.
How Did You Get Your Name? Is There A Story?
My first name is the last name of the family down the road from my grandparents. My mother loved the name Steven but wanted mine to be more unique. I used to hate it. But now I’m glad she did.
What Are or Have Been Your Musical Influences?
I’m a child of the ’70s and ’80s. My musical influence include Artists like Peter Frampton, the Jackson 5, Kiss, Parliament, Zapp, Cameo, The Isley Brothers, Parliament, KC and the Sunshine Band, Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fishbone, English Beat, Sting, The Special, Bob Marley, James Taylor, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Spinners, The O’Jays, Grand Funk Railroad, The Commodores, and Prince
What Are You Working On Now? Any Future Collaborations We Can Look Forward To?
Right now, I’m working on getting back on stage and performing my original music. I have put together a band of musicians who have played with some of the most legendary artists in the history of pop, country, and soul music. A divine connection is the only way to explain how these guys have come into my life. They not only love my music, but they are also excited to play with me. The most important thing is to get in front of people with the best possible product even if I have to pay for it myself. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. I have so many more songs ready to record. I will release another single before the end of this year and hopefully, a new album by next summer.
What Is Your Ultimate Goal In The Music Industry? What Is Your Plan Of Action?
My ultimate goal in the music industry is to create my own path and a sound that is uniquely mine. To write, record, and produce timeless songs, with messages that inspire hearts, awaken dreams, and feed souls not only today, but long after I’m gone. The action plan is simply to start booking gigs and raise the money to pay my musicians until the gigs are lucrative enough to pay for themselves and keep recording my music!
What Is Your Favorite Track To Perform Live and Why?
Right now, my favorite track to perform is “Wake Up in the USA.“ I love performing that song. It really touches the hearts of the people who hear it. It’s a song that reminds people that we live in the greatest country in the history of the world, and there’s no better place to live your dreams.
What Has Been The Biggest Challenge In Your Career Thus Far?
I sang in a cover band for 30 years. It’s only been in the last five or six years that I’ve really focused on recording my original music. My biggest challenge now is finding gigs that will allow me to show off what I have and financing my projects. But no matter what happens, it is important that I set an example of perseverance in the face of all obstacles. I want my children to know that if they work hard and never give up, their dreams can be achieved.
What’s Your Typical Songwriting Process?
I’ve never sat down with a song in mind. They usually pop up when I’m just chilling, playing my guitar or piano. Sometimes, I’ll come with something that sounds beautiful, thinking about life or a specific experience. And then the first lyrics come to me, and it’s like a download! The song is written in an hour or less. Sure, there’s some editing, but 95% of the song is done in that time. Who knows what the future holds? Maybe I’ll team up with others or keep writing solo. But my goal is always to inspire hearts, awaken dreams, and feed souls.
How Has Social Media Influenced Your Career As An Artist?
It has helped me by allowing me to share my music with the public without the help of the music industry. And the feedback has been fantastic! People who like everything from rap, R&B, rock, and country have all given me positive feedback. It has given me the confidence to believe that my music can reach all demographics regardless of the kind of music they listen to regularly.
What Are Some Tracks and Artists Currently On Your Playlist?
The songs I listen to the most are classic and diverse. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, I was surrounded by timeless music that still resonates with me today. Earth, Wind, and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fishbone, English Beat, Bob Marley, James Taylor, The Spinners, The O’Jays, The Commodores, Marvin Gaye, and Prince. It doesn’t matter what genre of music I’m listening to – I love good music!
What Did You Do Before You Started Making Music?
I have been writing songs since I was 17 years old. I never imagined that anything would come of it. We had a piano in the house and I took guitar lessons when I was 12. But it was just for fun. My passion was Baseball. I played for the University of Nebraska and had an opportunity to play some professional baseball. But even singing in the cover band was just for fun. A fun lucrative job that lasted for 30 years and resulted in a Hall of Fame induction in Nebraska. I’ve been married for 33 years and have four children. So supporting my family with sales jobs, and substitute teaching in the local school district was what I did, and still do. But those jobs are now a way to finance my main focus, which is Music.
Any Advice For Young People (Men or Women) That Want To Succeed In The Music World?
I would tell anyone to stop comparing themselves to others. We’re all unique and special, created with a purpose that only we can fulfill. Focus on becoming the best version of yourself and never give up. Don’t worry about opportunities not coming your way – it’s more about being ready when they do. I’ve learned this the hard way – I’ve missed out on so many great chances because I wasn’t prepared. So, embrace your uniqueness and never stop dreaming big!
What Would You Change In The Music Industry If You Were A Top Music Executive?
I truly don’t know much about the business. What I do know is that artists should be paid more when their music is streamed. I would do something about that. Just like inventors who create groundbreaking products, artists deserve to be financially rewarded for their contributions.
How Do You Feel About Originality?
When people ask me what genre my music is, I’m stumped. I want to make my own sound, so I don’t really know. Originality is super important to me! Even when I sang with my cover band, I always wanted to put my own spin on the songs we covered. I don’t want people to think I sound like anyone else but me, Steve Spurgeon.
Is There Anything Else We Should Know About You Or That You Would Like to Add?
My song, “Wake up in the USA” was inspired by the sacrifices made by the first responders on 9/11 and the unity our nation experienced in the aftermath. Since 2020, I have visited approximately 130 police roll Kohls and fire stations in 24 states, singing that song for them and honoring them as America’s real superheroes. I’ve also started a nonprofit. The goal is to address the mental health crisis in their community by changing public perception to create better relationships between them and the communities they serve.