Steve Poltz
| Steve Poltz | |
|---|---|
Poltz performance in Café Continental, October 2012
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| Background information | |
| Born |
February 19, 1960 Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada |
| Origin | San Diego, California, USA |
| Genres | Pop rock, indie-rock, folk rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1990s- current |
| Labels | Mercury Records, 98 Pounder Records, Scam-o-Rama Records, Polygram |
| Associated acts |
The Rugburns, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum Jewel |
| Website | poltz |
Steve Poltz (born February 19, 1960) is a Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist. He is a founding member of the indie-rock band The Rugburns and is best known for his collaborations with singer Jewel, especially the 1996 single, "You Were Meant for Me" which reached number 2 in the US.
As a solo artist, he often performs acoustic-only "good old-fashioned sing-along" shows. His songs have been noted for their simple melodies and satirical lyrics.
Poltz was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada and later immigrated with his family to Pasadena, California, then to Palm Springs, California. He attended the University of San Diego, where he received a degree in political science, he met guitarist Robert Driscoll and The Rugburns were formed.
Poltz and his bandmates developed a local and national cult following by playing coffeehouses and bars. While performing dates at the Innerchange Coffeehouse in San Diego, he formed a relationship with Jewel, frequently opening for her on tours, co-writing songs, and appearing in her music video for "You Were Meant For Me." The song won her 2nd place on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 song charts, charting in four other categories in the USA, and several European countries. Poltz has also covered songs by others, which include some Jerry Hannan songs at live gigs.
In 1998, Poltz released his first solo album, One Left Shoe, for Mercury Records. A disagreement in the artistic direction of his material led to him leaving the label and forming his own company, 98 Pounder Records. Five years later, he recorded Chinese Vacation, an album heavily influenced by the events of September 11 and the murder of one of his closest friends. During a radio interview and performance on the Dave, Shelly, and Chainsaw radio program, he performed a "male" version of "You Were Meant For Me". During the bridge, he went on a 5-minute rant on David Cassidy and assorted stories in Las Vegas, including one that led to the album name "One Left Shoe". Poltz also performed the song on the Bob and Tom Show and included the Cassidy story during the bridge.
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