Growing up the youngest of nine children, Steve Berkemeier was exposed to a wide variety of music that has had a lasting influence on him as a singer, songwriter and performer.
It was during the seventies, when singer/songwriters dominated radio airwaves, that Berkemeier first learned to play the guitar. He formed a number of bands at home in Michigan and while attending the University of Dayton in Ohio and worked as a disc jockey at an oldies station after graduating.
Eventually, Berkemeier settled in as a solo act, performing on the six and twelve string guitar.
"I was always impressed by performers like John Denver, James Taylor and Harry Chapin, who could entertain audiences with just their voice and guitar, and I realized that was what I wanted to do" Berkemeier says.
"I was always impressed by performers like John Denver, James Taylor and Harry Chapin, who could entertain audiences with just their voice and guitar, and I realized that was what I wanted to do" Berkemeier says.
While he is often compared to those performers the influence of rockers like Bruce Springsteen, and John Mellencamp is also apparent in Berkemeiers music.
Berkemeier has also enjoyed success with his own songs. A The Seventh Son a recording of original works includes the autobiographical title cut and explores the love for and devotion to his wife Margaret (You Are My Life), the evolution of long term friendships (I' m Still Here) and the challenge of living up to one' s potential (This Day).
Dave Hoger, entertainment editor of the Jackson Citizen Patriot wrote "the songs on "The Seventh Son" showcase an artist who has the ability to weave the right words with the right emotion into a first-rate album that deserves to be heard."
Another original composition, the rollicking "Great Lake Splendor" (The Michigan Department of State) became that agency's theme song. Berkemeier recorded a version that was used on the department's web sight as well as for a video played in Secretary of State offices all over Michigan. Berkemeier also performed the song live at appearances by Secretary of State Candice Miller in more than 40 Michigan communities.
Berkemeier has also enjoyed success with his own songs. A The Seventh Son a recording of original works includes the autobiographical title cut and explores the love for and devotion to his wife Margaret (You Are My Life), the evolution of long term friendships (I' m Still Here) and the challenge of living up to one' s potential (This Day).
Dave Hoger, entertainment editor of the Jackson Citizen Patriot wrote "the songs on "The Seventh Son" showcase an artist who has the ability to weave the right words with the right emotion into a first-rate album that deserves to be heard."
Another original composition, the rollicking "Great Lake Splendor" (The Michigan Department of State) became that agency's theme song. Berkemeier recorded a version that was used on the department's web sight as well as for a video played in Secretary of State offices all over Michigan. Berkemeier also performed the song live at appearances by Secretary of State Candice Miller in more than 40 Michigan communities.
Berkemeiers's latest CD "Playing Favorites" is a collection of some of his most frequently requested songs along with some of his personal favorites by artists who have been an influence to him.
For more than 15 years now, Berkemeier has combined the strength of his original songs with popular, classic and contemporary songs by other artists, to entertain audiences all over the State of Michigan and Ohio. His frequent appearances at area festivals and venues have made him one of the region's most popular entertainers
For more than 15 years now, Berkemeier has combined the strength of his original songs with popular, classic and contemporary songs by other artists, to entertain audiences all over the State of Michigan and Ohio. His frequent appearances at area festivals and venues have made him one of the region's most popular entertainers
