As one of the most prolific multi-hyphenates in Hollywood, Steve Martin is accomplished in writing, acting, comedy, producing and music. His impressive banjo skills are currently available to ticket holders of his 2013 U.S. tour with the Steep Canyon Rangers and Edie Brickell. Though he is better known as a comedian and actor, especially for parts in "The Jerk," "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" and "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," he began playing banjo at the tender age of 17—having learned the skill by slowing down his bluegrass vinyls to 16bpm. He routinely incorporated it into his stand-up shows and comedy albums, such as the endlessly quotable "A Wild and Crazy Guy," before launching a legitimate music career.
His first major musical success came from his 1978 single, “King Tut,” performed with his band the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Martin often chooses to duet or collaborate when it comes to performing concerts, playing with some of country’s greatest artists, like Dolly Parton and Earl Scruggs, the latter with whom he most recently collaborated on his rendition of "Foggy Mountain Breakdown," which won Best Country Instrumental Performance. As Martin moves away from comedy and toward serious film roles, writing projects and musical opportunities, he manages to maintain his populist, accessible persona while showcasing his tremendous talent, wit and skill in nearly every arena. His 2013 Love Has Come For You tour with Edie Brickell and the Steep Canyon Rangers is further proof of his unconditional prowess, as is the stage production, “Bright Star,” penned in partnership with Brickell. His comedic chops on film are undeniable, but the longer Steve Martin sticks around, the more fans discover that there’s so much more to him than funny faces.