Focus on Steve Grisaffe...
January 18, 2007
Steve Grisaffe was born November 26, 1965 in the rural town of New Iberia, Louisiana into a family with three siblings ranging in age from six to four. Mom was kept very busy by his siblings, so Steve was left in his crib with his electronic babysitter, the radio. Little did anyone know this would define Steve’s destiny.
A swamp boy by nature, and a music fan by destiny, Steve began playing guitar at the young age of nine. This was partly due to wanting to escape from rural life, but mostly due to the Elvis Presley concert he went to in 1975. He saw all the screaming fans reactions to this man that bumped and gyrated on stage. To Steve, he appeared to be from another planet because of the effect he had on everyone including him.
Immediately after seeing Elvis, Steve knew what he wanted to do with his life. He wanted not just to be a musician but one that left an impression on all that witnessed his performances.
Steve’s first chance to perform was in High School in the early '80's. Influenced by bands such as Journey, Boston, ZZ Top, and Peter Frampton, Steve started a band called Eclipse. They performed at the local skating rink, parties, and High School events. Since the band members were too young to drive, Steve’s mother would drive the family’s red Cadillac with an orange U-Haul trailer attached, watch and wait while they performed, and bring them all home. Steve recalled that this was not exactly the “high class music idol’s tour bus” but effective all the same.
After High School in 1984, and still playing music, Steve visited a local music store to check out a new guitar. He was seen playing the guitar and offered a steady gig on weekends to play country music. At the time, Steve had never considered country music but once he began playing, he fell in love with it and knew it was his calling.
The next few years saw Steve playing in bands such as Boot Leg, and Bayou. Bayou’s lead singer at the time was none other than Trace Adkins. He also played bass with Louisiana’s legendary Sammy Kershaw up to 1989.
While Steve was enjoying the opportunities to play with such would be greats as Trace Adkins and Sammy Kershaw, he knew he wanted more. So, in a garage in the little town of Maurice, Louisiana, his own great beginning was born. The band, River Road, was the joining of musicians from some of his past bands, but the beginning of Steve’s unique sound.The band began taking off in Louisiana and Texas. They made a name for themselves when in 1991 they placed second in the Nashville National Marlboro Country Music Contest. It was only a matter of time before the band received its big break. In 1994, with Steve as lead singer, they secured a development deal with Sony records under the production of Gary Nicholson (writer of "One More Last Chance" by Vince Gill and "Trouble With The Truth" by Patty Loveless) and Paul Worley, producer for such acts as The Dixie Chicks, Martina McBride, and Collin Ray.
Now well on their way, Steve and the band got signed to Capital Records in 1996 which was in the production years of Scott Hendricks known for (Faith Hill, Brooks & Dunn, Allen Jackson and a total of 41 hits). During this time, 1997, River Road racked up several accomplishments of their own; three Billboard national singles were charted. They were "I Broke It, I’ll Fix It" at #42, "Nick A Jack" at #38, and "Somebody Will" at #48.
Hendricks then moved to Virgin Records Nashville in 1998 and River Road followed him under the production of Trey Bruce (Chris Ledoux). A single was released in 2000 known as "Breathless" peaking at #41.
Without warning, after charting four national billboard singles, three Country Music videos airing on CMT and GAC, after performing in seven foreign countries for the USO Troops Tour, and many live national television appearances, Virgin Records dissolved and with it, Steve’s beloved River Road.
Taking a much needed break from the road and performing, Steve came home to Louisiana and produced several Louisiana acts such as Warren Storm, six year old Cajun sensation, Hunter Hayes, and rising Country star Blake Luquette. While producing, Steve met record label owner Eddy Deloney of Ralph Records. This would prove to be a defining moment in Steve’s music career.
With his hopes and dreams very much alive, Steve began working on his latest project, "Current Status" to be released in the fall of 2001. It is a self-expression of him as an artist and what music means to him. This C D will take you on a journey through all of life’s emotions, love, hurt, recovery, joy, and happiness. It is sung in the soulful unique sound Steve has accomplished and proven to make him one of the premier vocalist on a national level.
After being out on the road for the last fifteen years, Steve has come home to his roots and to realize his destiny. He is destined to bring a unique memorable sound that he has created and was born within him from the electronic babysitter in his crib through the emotions and experiences of following his dream. Steve brings you his finest work ever.
Steve is an old friend from his days with River Road. I helped with their fan club once upon a time and I miss that group so much. The CD that never got released, Something In The Water, had the potential to be a huge hit. The music was extraordinary! A very few DJ copies made it out before the label closed its doors. Steve's new book is a great read. I'd recommend buying it. And if you can find a copy of Something In The Water on eBay - buy it! Current Status was a really good breakout CD as well. And, if you live in South Louisiana, go see his show. He's a FINE musician and a super singer! Introduce yourself and see what a great guy he is!
Posted by: Fay | February 04, 2007 at 03:04 PM