Savor member since 2010, Steven Elowe

Interview video thumbnail for Steven

Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California, I became interested and moved by music at age 5 while watching my sister’s folk group play at USO clubs. She gave me my first guitar lesson at age 8, and I haven’t stopped playing and singing since.

By age 10 I was performing with cover bands, playing at colleges and high schools. One of those bands was “Fantasy,” a local favorite that featured Scott Page on trumpet (later appearing as the sax player in Pink Floyd).

Between the ages of 12 and 15, I went on to play with musicians from Sugarloaf and the Mothers of Invention to many others who went on to national touring acts. At age 13 I recorded commercials for the LA Zoo and local malls.

Steven at Vox Studios
Steven at Vox Studios in Los Angeles.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A friend once referred to Steven as the ”shopping mall Steve Perry (Journey),” because he could sing so high.

Working in the studio

From my late teens on into my early 20’s I became a local studio musician, writing and recording commercials, as well as the theme for the Disney Channel launch. After the channel was picked up by cable, my voice could be heard every 10 minutes on the Disney Channel as their station ID theme for the next 6 years.

During that time I played in bands with musicians from Night Ranger, Genya Ravan & 10 Wheel Drive, Shalamar, and Jethro Tull (to name a few) and co-wrote a song for the movie “Breakin’”.

Steven with band Dreamer in Early 80s
Promo photo for 80s band Dreamers.

The Loose Chains years

In the early ’80s I met Ray Wolffe through one of my oldest friends and mentors, Michael O’Neil (guitarist with George Benson). Ray invited me to join his band Loose Change to replace long-time member Phil Solem (who was leaving to join the Rembrandts). With Cyril Cianflone and then drummer Milt Boyat we tore up LA playing funk and Rock-A-Billy to packed houses. We received interest from several record labels, but broke up before any contract could be signed.

Steven Performing

Consistently performing

Up until the shutdown, I stayed fairly active, working with backing bands for ‘60s and ‘70s stars Chris Montez, Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods, and Pat Upton, to name a few. In addition, when I am available, I play guitar (or bass) and sing lead in various tribute bands, including tributes to: Crosby, Stills , Nash & Young, The Eagles (filling in for several different members), Neil Young, Credence Clearwater Revival, and others.

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