Andy Mckee

Born on April 4, 1979, in Topeka, Kansas, Andy McKee initially gravitated towards electric guitar in his teenage years, influenced by shred guitar artists like Metallica and Joe Satriani. A pivotal moment occurred at age 16 when he attended a live performance by Preston Reed, which shifted his focus to acoustic fingerstyle guitar. He subsequently immersed himself in the techniques of acoustic guitarists such as Michael Hedges, Billy McLaughlin, and Don Ross. McKee’s self-taught approach led him to obtain his GED early to dedicate more time to his musical development. In 2001, he released his debut independent album, “Nocturne,” and earned third place at the National Fingerstyle Guitar Competition in Winfield, Kansas. He continued to refine his craft, integrating elements like harp guitar into his compositions, and toured internationally.

McKee’s career saw a significant turning point in 2006 when his original composition “Drifting” went viral on YouTube, quickly followed by other pieces like “Rylynn” and “For My Father” gaining millions of views. This widespread online exposure established him as a leading figure in fingerstyle guitar, greatly increasing his visibility and fan base. His album “Art of Motion,” released in 2005, became his most mainstream successful album during this period. This internet-driven popularity led to appearances on television shows such as “Last Call with Carson Daly” and collaborations with prominent artists including Josh Groban, where McKee contributed guitar to the Grammy-nominated Christmas album “Noël” in 2007. In 2012, he toured Australia with Prince, performing alongside the pop icon’s band. He has consistently released albums and EPs, exploring new musical territories and showcasing his evolving style.

Beyond his solo career, Andy McKee has nurtured the next generation of fingerstyle guitarists by developing and hosting multi-day guitar workshops through Dreamcatcher Events. His flagship program, “Andy McKee’s Musicarium,” has featured a diverse range of guest instructors including Tommy Emmanuel and Eric Johnson, at various locations across the United States. In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, McKee adapted to livestreamed concerts and online guitar instruction, continuing to connect with his global audience. In 2024, he formed “tripliciti,” an acoustic guitar trio supergroup, and is preparing for a new solo album and a 20th-anniversary re-recording of “Art of Motion” in 2025. His influence is evident in the many notable players, such as Calum Graham and Alexandr Misko, who cite him as an inspiration.