HISTORY

In 1969, at the age of 16, I happened to hear a man playing blues on the acoustic guitar in my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. It was quite profound for me, and I purchased an inexpensive guitar for myself and began practicing day and night. Soon after, I became interested in traditional American music and began experimenting with the mandolin, violin, and 5 string banjo. There weren't many books on this type of music back then,and learning it required going to coffee houses, folk festivals, and lots of jam sessions.

At 19, my older sister returned from a visit to Mexico and recounted how the local musicians would  get on the bus,play a few songs, and pass the hat. It was, quite simply, the most romantic thing I had ever heard of, and quickly headed to New Orleans where I was told this kind of thing took place openly on the streets.

For the next 13 years, the  French Quarter then became 'home base' playing many different venues with many different musicians. Living a rather Bohemian lifestyle, included in this time frame was a year long stay in Europe, touring the country playing college concerts, living in Nashville as a fiddle player on the Grand Old Opry, and much more. 

In 1980, I found myself becoming extremely attracted to Hungarian Gypsy music, and in 1982 I went to Budapest (then still a city in the Eastern bloc) and immersed myself in learning about that style of playing from a gypsy family that had fortunately taken a liking to me. After a year and a half in Hungary, I went back 'west' to Vienna for a time and came back to the states sometime in 1985 and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio where I combined my recently cultivated craft of European cafe music with my older street music background, and 'took it  up' to the level of strolling musician.

Professionally, this led me again on a journey of some wonderful travel opportunities and residences that included Detroit, the Florida Keys, and Ft. Lauderdale where I currently live with my beautiful wife, three wonderful children, and a comfortable home  in Tamarac. The good Lord has truly blessed me.

Thank you.

Ed Horowitz