Steve Hunter - 1977 Interview (WSOY Decatur)

Legendary guitarist Steve Hunter was born and raised in Decatur, Illinois.  

By early 1977 Hunter was getting ready to release his first solo album, Swept Away, which he dedicated to his hometown.  At this point in his career, Hunter had already toured and recorded albums with Lou Reed, Alice Cooper, Peter Gabriel and Mitch Ryder.  As a session man, he had played on records by Aerosmith, Jack Bruce and others.

In this phone interview with Decatur radio station WSOY, Hunter talks extensively about growing up in Decatur.  He mentions some of his early influences, his beginnings on Hawaiian guitar as well as his early exposure to the blues.  He explains where the titles "Jasper St. Viaduct Gitar Rag" and "Eldorado Street" came from (both reference locations in Decatur).   He also briefly mentions fellow Decatur musician John "Polar Bear" Sauter who played with Mitch Ryder's Detroit and helped Hunter secure a spot in the group which ultimately launched his career.

Here are some highlights from Steve's early career as a session guitarist as well a few cuts from his first album.

For more info see: Steve Hunter