Earl Klugh

Grammy Award-winning acoustic guitarist and composer Earl Klugh established his distinctive blend of jazz, pop, and R&B music early in his career, making his first professional recording on Yusef Lateef’s ‘Suite 16.’ His talent quickly caught the attention of industry veterans, leading him to play on George Benson’s seminal ‘White Rabbit’ album before joining Benson’s touring band in 1973. Klugh’s debut album Finger Paintings in 1977 garnered critical acclaim, earning the ‘Best Recording Award For Performance and Sound’ from Japan’s prestigious Swing Journal. Klugh further solidified his position as a preeminent instrumentalist in 1981, receiving a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for ‘One on One,’ his celebrated collaborative album with Bob James. This landmark achievement was followed by an impressive career trajectory, including 12 additional Grammy nominations and the release of over 30 albums.

Beyond his studio work, Klugh has become synonymous with the annual ‘Weekend of Jazz,’ an acclaimed event he hosts at the Broadmoor Hotel & Resort in Colorado Springs. This highly anticipated gathering, which expanded to Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina in 2010, brings together jazz musicians and enthusiasts and has featured performances by revered artists including Ramsey Lewis, Patti Austin, and George Benson. Klugh’s enduring appeal was further demonstrated with his 2013 release, ‘HandPicked,’ which continued to showcase his masterful acoustic guitar work. A testament to his sustained presence and influence in contemporary music, Earl Klugh maintains a consistent touring schedule and continues to engage audiences globally, reaffirming his status as a Grammy Award-winning artist whose innovative fusion of jazz, pop, and R&B continues to captivate listeners worldwide.