The Story
Born in Ohio but a true native son of the Gulf Coast, Stephen grew up hearing his father Todd sing and play music both on stage and in church. From a young age Stephen can remember the constant presence of singing in his home, which undoubtedly led to his passion for harmonies and soulful singing to this day. As soon as he was old enough, Stephen began playing covers in coffee shops and bars that would let him in, enjoying the spotlight but never thinking of music as more than a fun hobby.
Several years later Stephen married the girl of his dreams, giving up his lifestyle of playing music on the weekends and taking a full-time position as a youth minister. Just over a month after their wedding, Stephen's wife was diagnosed with leukemia, which shook the foundations of both their young lives. They were forced to grow up quickly and face this new challenge with as much dignity and maturity as they could. Although his wife eventually recovered, Stephen found himself in need of an outlet for the emotional trauma of what he had experienced. To his surprise, he found that he could write songs that profoundly connected with any audience - even strangers!
Stephen released a full-length album of original music in August of 2019 titled "Home to Alabama" as a solo artist, with a renewed focus on songwriting and honing his craft as a performer. This led to him being featured on season 18 of American Idol on ABC, and although he received a golden ticket from the judges, Stephen did not make it further than Hollywood Week on the show. The resulting disappointment only fueled Stephen's creative fire, and he began working with Chris Keaton in Nashville to pitch his original songs to labels and publishing companies.
Today, Stephen is managed by Chris Keaton and has recorded an album with acclaimed producer Fred Mollin. You'll hear Stephen's new music soon, and in the meantime you can see him play at many venues around coastal Alabama.
Several years later Stephen married the girl of his dreams, giving up his lifestyle of playing music on the weekends and taking a full-time position as a youth minister. Just over a month after their wedding, Stephen's wife was diagnosed with leukemia, which shook the foundations of both their young lives. They were forced to grow up quickly and face this new challenge with as much dignity and maturity as they could. Although his wife eventually recovered, Stephen found himself in need of an outlet for the emotional trauma of what he had experienced. To his surprise, he found that he could write songs that profoundly connected with any audience - even strangers!
Stephen released a full-length album of original music in August of 2019 titled "Home to Alabama" as a solo artist, with a renewed focus on songwriting and honing his craft as a performer. This led to him being featured on season 18 of American Idol on ABC, and although he received a golden ticket from the judges, Stephen did not make it further than Hollywood Week on the show. The resulting disappointment only fueled Stephen's creative fire, and he began working with Chris Keaton in Nashville to pitch his original songs to labels and publishing companies.
Today, Stephen is managed by Chris Keaton and has recorded an album with acclaimed producer Fred Mollin. You'll hear Stephen's new music soon, and in the meantime you can see him play at many venues around coastal Alabama.
