Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

December 31, 1953 in Sacramento, CA

Death

:

December 2, 1997 in Mendocino County, CA

 

Michael Hedges was an American composer and guitarist who was born on December 31, 1953, in Sacramento, California. He grew up in Enid, Oklahoma, where he began playing the guitar at the age of 12. Hedges was a self-taught musician who developed his unique style of playing by experimenting with various techniques and tunings. Hedges attended Phillips University in Enid, where he studied classical guitar and composition. He later transferred to Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland, where he continued his studies in classical guitar and composition. While at Peabody, Hedges became interested in jazz and began incorporating jazz elements into his compositions. After graduating from Peabody, Hedges moved to Mendocino, California, where he began performing in local clubs and coffeehouses. He soon gained a following for his innovative guitar playing and unique compositions. In 1981, Hedges released his debut album, "Breakfast in the Field," which was well-received by critics and helped establish him as a rising star in the world of acoustic guitar. Hedges continued to release albums throughout the 1980s, including "Aerial Boundaries" (1984), which is considered by many to be his masterpiece. The album features Hedges' signature style of playing, which involves tapping, slapping, and strumming the guitar in unconventional ways. The album also features several of Hedges' most popular compositions, including "Aerial Boundaries" and "Ritual Dance." In addition to his solo work, Hedges collaborated with other musicians, including bassist Michael Manring and percussionist David Crosby. Hedges also worked as a producer, producing albums for other artists, including Will Ackerman and Liz Story. Tragically, Hedges' life was cut short when he died in a car accident on December 2, 1997, at the age of 43. Despite his short career, Hedges left a lasting impact on the world of acoustic guitar and is remembered as one of the most innovative and influential guitarists of his generation. Some of Hedges' most notable compositions include "Aerial Boundaries," "Ritual Dance," "Because It's There," "The Funky Avocado," and "The Happy Couple." Hedges' music is characterized by his unique style of playing, which involves tapping, slapping, and strumming the guitar in unconventional ways. His compositions often feature complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as elements of jazz, folk, and classical music. Hedges' influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary acoustic guitarists, including Andy McKee, Don Ross, and Antoine Dufour. His legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world, and his music remains a testament to his innovative spirit and creative vision.

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