STEPHEN LONGFELLOW FISKE
is a multitalented individual whose dedication to peace, humanitarian, environmental and spiritual concerns has always found expression through his artistic pursuits.
Since his first album release, Seeds of Peace, in 1980, through his current CD, Angels and Miracles, Stephen has established himself as an inspired performer and veteran poet/spokesman of the times. An award-winning singer/songwriter, Stephen has also authored the poetic & philosophical handbook, The Art of Peace, A Personal Manual on Peacemaking and Creativity (New Paradigm Books), now in its second printing. The Art of Peace also features 40 of Stephen's drawings. Stephen is now completing his second book, The Basketball Teachings, which chronicles his long involvement with the game of basketball, and how his basketball experiences have illuminated key rites of passage in his colorful life. A relative of the poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Stephen is a poet in his own right, giving expression and insights through his music, writings and presence wherever he goes.
Stephen grew up in New York City. His mother was an opera singer and voice and piano teacher, and his father was a writer/editor. Stephen flourished in the arts and became a self taught guitarist composing his own original songs. An outstanding athlete, he attended NYU on a basketball scholarship and majored in art. But music became his main calling, and in 1968 he came to San Francisco and formed an acid-rock band "The Bycycle."
After two turbulent years in the rock scene, he embarked upon his solo career and became a traveling troubador-minstrel man. Since then he has performed widely, entertaining and uplifting audiences with his insightful, poetic and often humorous songs and stories, and has recorded eight albums. His music has been featured in various films and videos, and he has written for, sung and done voice-overs on TV and radio commercials. He has raised a family of three children with his wife Nikki, and has also been a yoga teacher, a basketball coach, an avid backpacker/mountaineer, and a lecturer and workshop leader. Stephen has written, produced and performed his one man musical theater piece, "Minstrel Man" at the Electric Lodge Theater in Venice, California to enthusiastic audiences.
He has won numerous awards including "The International Peace Music Award" in 1994, and has had his songs recorded by Luther VanDross and Jose Feliciano, among others.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT "ANGELS AND MIRACLES"
"The title song is one of my favorites - a constant reminder to notice and honor the 'Angels and Miracles' that come to us every day in small and simple ways. The hauntingly beautiful 'Pagossa' with the talented violinist Scarlet Rivera, touches my soul with a profound feeling of peace. The lyrics, the arrangements and exquisitely rich orchestration on every song are profoundly moving. You have paid attention to the minutest detail of superb musicianship and technical production. Thank you for creating such an inspirational work."
~ Laurien Towers, producer, Los Angeles
"YOUR NEW CD IS WONDER-FILLED!!!! I especially enjoy the peaceful music. I think the blues song, 'The Best of It' (#10), is a real nice touch. My favorite song is 'When You Believe In You' (#11). THROUGHOUT THE CD YOUR
PEACEFULNESS AND DEEP WISDOM are a gift to everyone."
~ Jeannine Just, success strategist, Laguna
"Your CD is a thing of beauty. 'The Heart of Love' is so romantic and lovely, I would love to have it played at my wedding. 'When You Believe In You' brought tears to my eyes and is very inspiring...it makes me feel that I really can do the things I've dreamt about. 'River Raga' moved me to dance. Your music helps people open wide to eternity."
~ Lenore Chudd, executive secretary, Los Angeles
"Each song, each instrumental composition connects me deeper to the heart of life. There is authentic beauty in every track. Stephen, you have created a masterpiece."
~ Ken Cohen, author, Santa Barbara
"Stephen Longfellow Fiske's new CD 'Angels and Miracles' is truly angelic and miraculous. Each piece touches my life and soul to the very core."
~ Rabbi Stan Levy, Los Angeles
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