Brian Setzer

Brian Robert Setzer, born on April 10, 1959, in Massapequa, New York, is a prominent American guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter known for his energetic contributions to rockabilly and swing music. He first gained fame in the early 1980s as the frontman of the Stray Cats, a band that revived the 1950s rockabilly sound. Setzer's journey began with the euphonium in school jazz bands, but his passion soon shifted to rock and punk music. After forming the Tomcats with his brother Gary, the group evolved into the Stray Cats with the addition of bassist Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom. In a bold move, they sold their instruments to fund their trip to London, where they found success.

Their self-titled debut album, produced by Dave Edmunds in 1981, featured hits like "Stray Cat Strut" and "Rock This Town." The band continued to enjoy success with follow-up albums, including the popular Built for Speed (1982) and Rant n' Rave with the Stray Cats (1983), which spawned the hit "(She's) Sexy + 17." Though the group disbanded in 1984, they reunited occasionally, releasing Choo Choo Hot Fish in 1992.

Setzer embarked on a solo career, experimenting with rhythm and blues on his first album, The Knife Feels Like Justice (1986), and exploring blues rock with Live Nude Guitars (1988). He also collaborated with various artists, including Robert Plant's Honeydrippers. Throughout his career, Setzer has left an indelible mark on contemporary music.