I was born in Michigan in the spring of 1949 and was raised on a vegetable, sheep, and dairy farm. I spent most of my time doing chores and helping with the farm work. My dad’s mother bought us a piano when I was around seven or so and I started picking out tunes and making them up that same year.
Both of my grandmothers had played piano in silent movies, one in New York, and the other in Winnipeg Canada. I did take piano lessens for three years until my grandmother could no longer afford it. I did ok with the lessons but was much more advanced playing by ear. It was easier for me, and fun. I played so much that I bought a $5.00 piano and put it outside in the chicken coop so as not to bother my family while they were trying to listen to the radio.
It needed tuning so I taught myself how to tune on that old clunker. At first I only tuned for relatives, friends, and then I started tuning for the public, which I still do today. My first job playing was when I was in high school. It was a square dance band and we played every Saturday night. It was in a barn and so much fun!
Next job was while in the Air Force. Upon leaving the military I took on nine playing jobs a week while attending electronics school. This led into 22 years of TV repair by day and smoky bars and night club work, playing piano and singing by night.
The next 15 years was all TV repair, piano tuning, and restoring antique cars. Four years ago I was asked to come to Cincinnati to record a song I had written, in a professional recording studio. I fell in love with those two days and was thrilled to hear my song coming to life with an orchestra backup.
Upon returning home I decided to start recording myself as I couldn’t wait to do more. I love the sound of piano and orchestra. This involved much study and equipment to make a professional sounding recording. I now do occasional concerts and spend most of my spare time recording. My other hobby through the years has been antique auto restoration. My goal now in life is to write a song that becomes a standard in years to come.
Steve Farley
"Steve Farley"
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