Elliot Easton was born on December 18th, 1953

Written by: Penelope Wildwood

The Guitar Maestro: Elliot Easton

Elliot Easton, born Elliot Steinberg on December 18, 1953, is an American musician renowned for his melodic guitar solos as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist for the iconic new wave band, the Cars. With his distinctive left-handed playing style, Easton's contributions have been instrumental in shaping the band's signature sound.

Early Life and Education

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Easton attended Massapequa High School in Massapequa, NY, and later pursued his passion for music at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. This solid foundation in music theory and performance laid the groundwork for his future success.

Career Highlights

Easton co-founded the Cars in 1976, and the band's self-titled debut album (1978) spawned the hit single "Just What I Needed." Over the next nine years, the Cars released five more albums, cementing their status as one of the most influential bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Easton's solo endeavors include the album Change No Change (1985), featuring songs co-written with Jules Shear. The album's single, "Wearing Down Like a Wheel," achieved moderate success on the rock charts.

In the mid-1990s, Easton produced and played on the first two albums by Amy Rigby, and was also the lead guitarist on Jules Shear's album Healing Bones (1994). Easton was a founding member of Creedence Clearwater Revisited, a spinoff group consisting of Stu Cook and Doug Clifford of Creedence Clearwater Revival, from 1995 to 2004.

In 2006, Easton became a member of the New Cars, along with original Cars keyboardist Greg Hawkes, singer-songwriter Todd Rundgren, former Utopia bassist-vocalist Kasim Sulton, and Tubes drummer Prairie Prince. The band released a live album, It's Alive, featuring three new studio tracks.

Awards and Honors

In 2018, Easton was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Cars, a testament to his enduring contributions to the music world.

Personal Life

Easton has been married twice and has a daughter, Sydney, from his first marriage. He currently resides in Bell Canyon, California, with his wife Jill Easton.

Legacy

Elliot Easton's guitar work and songwriting have left an indelible mark on the music industry. His collaborations and solo projects have showcased his versatility and talent, earning him a reputation as one of the most accomplished musicians of his generation.

As a founding member of the Cars, Easton's music has been etched into the fabric of pop culture, inspiring countless musicians and fans alike. His influence continues to be felt, as new generations of music enthusiasts discover the timeless appeal of the Cars' music.