Steve Forbert

Steve Forbert

Steve Forbert is an American singer-songwriter from Meridian, United States, born in 1954. His work sits across contemporary folk, folk, folk rock, pop rock and singer-songwriter styles. He is also associated with Steve Forbert and The Rough Squirrels.

Career

Forbert is best known for Romeo's Tune, which reaches No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. He signs a recording contract with Nemperor in 1978, and the label releases his debut album, Alive on Arrival, that same year. His second album, Jackrabbit Slim, follows in 1979 and includes Romeo's Tune, which is dedicated on the sleeve to the memory of Florence Ballard. The song is written about a girl from Meridian.

At the time, critics hail Forbert as “the new Bob Dylan” because of his vocal timbre and thoughtful songwriting. Jackrabbit Slim is recorded in Nashville and produced by John Simon, who has worked with The Band.

Later work and recognition

After several successful years, Forbert relocates to Nashville in 1985 in search of new inspiration. His tribute to Jimmie Rodgers, Any Old Time, is nominated for a Grammy in the best traditional folk category in 2004. In 2006, he is inducted into the Mississippi Music Hall of Fame. Later albums include Strange Names & New Sensations (2007), The Place And The Time (2009) and Over With You (2012).