Steve Katz is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer whose career runs through some of the most important corners of 1960s and 1970s rock. Growing up in New York, he gravitated to the Greenwich Village folk scene as a teenager, learning from major figures in the acoustic blues and folk world. That grounding in traditional music gave his playing a strong sense of melody, dynamics, and feel that carried into his later electric work. Rather than chasing virtuoso flash, Katz developed into a musician whose parts always serve the song.His first notable recordings came with the Even Dozen Jug Band, but he really came into focus with The Blues Project. In that band he played guitar, sang, and contributed original songs, helping to blend folk, blues, and the emerging psychedelic sound. The Blues Project’s willingness to stretch out musically, while still holding on to roots material, was a good fit for Katz’s background. His role was often to glue the music together: rhythm work, smart voicings, and lines that threaded between vocals and lead instruments.Katz’s best‑known work arrived when he became a founding member of Blood, Sweat & Tears. In the original lineup and on the album “Child Is Father to the Man,” he played guitar, sang, and wrote material that helped shape the band’s distinctive mix of rock, soul, and jazz‑inflected horn arrangements. His guitar parts in this context are understated but essential, leaving room for brass and vocals while adding texture and groove. Even when he stepped forward as a singer or songwriter, the overall impression is of a musician deeply committed to ensemble playing.Beyond his role as a guitarist, Katz built a substantial career behind the glass as a producer and in record‑label work. He produced notable albums for artists like Lou Reed and Elliott Murphy, bringing a player’s perspective into the studio and focusing on capturing strong performances. Later, he worked in A&R and as an executive, as well as producing albums for the Irish band Horslips, which connected his folk background with Celtic rock. This combination of performing, writing, producing, and talent development gives his résumé a breadth that many guitarists never attempt.In more recent years, Steve Katz has continued to perform, often in intimate “songs and stories” formats where he mixes playing with anecdotes from his long career. He has also written and spoken about his experiences in the music business, reflecting on everything from the Greenwich Village days to arena‑level success. For current information on his projects, performances, and background, see his website:

https://stevekatzmusic.wordpress.com/