WIKIPEDIA:

“ Steven J. "Steve" Morse (born 28 July 1954) is an American guitarist and composer, best known as the founder of the Dixie Dregs, and the guitar player in Deep Purple since 1994. Morse's career has encompassed rock, country, funk, jazz, classical, and fusion of these musical genres. In addition to a thriving solo career, he enjoyed a brief stint with Kansas in the mid 80s.

Biography

Early
Morse's father was a minister and his mother a classically trained pianist; both were also psychologists. The family moved to Tennessee, then Ypsilanti, Michigan, where Morse spent his childhood. Although familiar with piano and clarinet, Morse ultimately became interested in guitar after seeing a gentleman finger picking a Dixie melody at a county fair. Morse worked briefly with his brother Dave in a band called The Plague until the family moved to Augusta, Georgia. In the late 60s, he played in a band called Three—named on the day of a local battle of the bands (and finishing 2nd)-- with his older brother; and 12 yr. old keyboardist William Gerald (Jerry) Wooten, a student at the same junior high as, though 1 grade earlier than, the 13 yr. old guitarist. Wooten, at Morse's suggestion (after a tryout—with [......] ”

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