Steve Tyrell

Stephen Louis Bilao III, known professionally as Steve Tyrell, was born on December 19, 1944, in Palo Pinto County, Texas. He began his extensive career in the music industry during the 1960s, initially working in various capacities such as A&R, promotions, and artist production at Scepter Records. During this formative period, Tyrell cultivated relationships with notable songwriters like Burt Bacharach, Hal David, Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Neil Sedaka, contributing to his deep understanding of classic American songwriting. This early engagement laid the groundwork for his future success as both a producer and performer.

Tyrell achieved significant recognition for his vocal work after singing “The Way You Look Tonight” in the 1991 film “Father of the Bride.” This performance marked a turning point, propelling him into a prominent second career as a vocalist specializing in the Great American Songbook. His debut album, “A New Standard” (1999), solidified his reputation in this genre, followed by several successful albums including “Songs of Sinatra” and “It’s Magic: The Songs of Sammy Cahn,” which consistently charted on Billboard’s Jazz Albums list. Beyond his singing career, Tyrell continued to be a prolific producer, working with a diverse range of artists.

Throughout his five-decade career, Tyrell has demonstrated versatility and a sustained impact on music. His production credits include Grammy-winning artists such as Rod Stewart, Linda Ronstadt, Aaron Neville, Diana Ross, and B.J. Thomas. In 2004, he received a Grammy Award as the producer for Rod Stewart’s album “Stardust: The Great American Songbook, Volume III.” Additionally, Tyrell has contributed to film as a music supervisor for directors like Steven Spielberg and Charles Shyer, written hit songs such as “How Do You Talk To An Angel,” and hosted a jazz radio program on KKJZ at California State University, Long Beach. He maintains an annual holiday residency at the Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan, continuing a tradition previously held by Bobby Short.