Steven Siro Vai, a three-time Grammy Award-winning guitarist and songwriter, is renowned for his soulful music that delves into the depths of human emotions. With a vast expertise in music that defies categorization, Vai’s unique sounds are technically flawless and deeply resonant. Rather than imitating others or striving to be better than his peers, Vai’s sole aim is to give his best to music and find artistic and spiritual fulfillment. Influenced by guitar legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Brian May, and Jeff Beck, Vai’s musical journey began in his childhood and flourished under the guidance of renowned guitarist Joe Satriani. His talents caught the attention of the legendary Frank Zappa, who invited him to join his band after being impressed by Vai’s transcription of ‘The Black Page’. After a successful stint with Zappa, Vai embarked on a solo career, starting with the hit debut album ‘Flex-Able’.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Steven Siro Vai
- Age: 63 Years, 63 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Pia Maiocco (m. 1988)
- Father: John Vai
- Mother: Theresa Vai
- Siblings: Michael Vai
- Children: Fire Vai, Julian Angel Vai
- Quotes By Steve Vai
- Guitarists
- Height: 6’0″ (183 cm), 6’0″ Males
- Ancestry: Italian American
- Notable Alumni: Musicians Institute
- U.S. State: New Yorkers
- Education: Berklee College Of Music, Musicians Institute
Childhood & Early Life
Steve Vai was born on June 6, 1960, in Carle Place, New York as one of the five children to John and Theresa Vai. He loved music from a young age and started playing the organ when he was barely six. By the time he was ten he was playing the accordion too. He picked up the guitar when he was 13. He was determined to play the instrument like Jimmy Page and therefore started taking lessons from the noted guitarist, Joe Satriani. As a teenager he performed with several bands and also started coaching other aspiring musicians. He attended Berklee College of Music and recorded a promotional piece for them.
Career
He made a transcription of Frank Zappa’s ‘The Black Page’ and sent it to him along with a tape of his guitar recording. Zappa was impressed by the talented young man and hired him to transcribe his guitar solos in 1979. Vai also did overdubs on many guitar parts on Zappa’s album, ‘You Are What You Is’. He was made a full fledged member of Zappa’s band and toured with him in 1980. He worked with Zappa for two years during which he toured extensively. Zappa referred to him as his “little Italian virtuoso”. He was a featured artist on the recording, ‘Zappa’s Universe’. He left Zappa in 1982 and moved to California. He released his debut solo album ‘Flex-Able’ in 1984. The album was greatly influenced by Zappa. It was a moderate success. In 1985 he joined Billy Sheehan and David Lee Roth’s band Eat’em and Smile. It featured Roth on vocals, Sheehan on bass and Vai on guitar, and Gregg Bissonette on drums. The group’s debut album, ‘Eat’em and Smile’ was a big hit. The group embarked on a world tour that began in May 1986 and continued through 1987. The tour was highly successful. The band, however, disbanded soon after due to creative differences between the members. He joined the band Whitesnake in 1989. He played all the guitar parts in the album, ‘Slip of the Tongue’. He also played for other bands at this time. His solo album, ‘Passion and Warfare’ was released in 1990. The album was critically appreciated and spawned the tracks ‘For the Love of God’, ‘I Would Love To’, and ‘The Animal’. In 1996, his album, ‘Fire Garden’ was released. The album was divided into two phases – one phase containing primarily instrumental music while the other one had vocals by Vai on most of the songs. The 1999 album, ‘The Ultra Zone’ pays tribute to two legendary guitarists – Frank Zappa and Stevie Ray Vaughan. This album too, like its predecessor had one side full of instrumental music and another with vocals. His concept album, ‘Real Illusions: Reflections’ was out in 2005. It had the tracks ‘Lotus Feet’, ‘Dying for Your Love’, and ‘Building the Church’. His most recent album is ‘The Story of Light’ which was released in 2012. This was his first full length album after 2005.
Major Works
His Gold-certified album, ‘Passion and Warfare’, contained his best known song, ‘For the Love of God’ which he had recorded after fasting for four days. The album was based on a series of dreams that Vai had when he was younger.
Awards & Achievements
He is the recipient of three Grammy Awards, the most recent one being for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for ‘Peaches En Regalia’ in 2008.
Personal Life & Legacy
He is married to Pia Maiocco, a bassist. They have two children. This famous guitarist is a beekeeper and sells his honey for his Make a Noise Foundation.