Michael Hedges American guitarist, singer, composer. Founder of the musical style “Acoustic New Age” Date of Birth: 31.12.1953 Country: USA

1. Michael Hedges - American Guitarist, Singer, and Composer
2. Rise to Fame
3. Musical Journey and Tragic End
4. Legacy and Recognition

Michael Hedges - American Guitarist, Singer, and Composer

Michael Hedges, an American guitarist, singer, and composer, was born on December 31, 1953, in Sacramento, California (some sources suggest Enid, Oklahoma). From the age of four, he began teaching himself how to play the piano and later picked up the cello and clarinet at the age of six. After completing high school, he studied flute and music composition at Phillips University. In 1979, he furthered his education in electronic music at Stanford University and then spent three years studying classical guitar at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland.

Rise to Fame

To support himself, Hedges performed at small clubs and restaurants in Baltimore. In 1981, his talent caught the attention of fusion guitarist and owner of Windham Hill Records, William Ackerman, who immediately offered him a record deal. That same year, Hedges released his debut album "Breakfast In The Field", which received enthusiastic reviews from the music press. In 1982, after completing his studies in Baltimore, Hedges moved to California. He recorded several groundbreaking instrumental albums at Windham Hill Records, which made him an idol for the American intellectual youth. In 1984, his album "Aerial Boundaries" was nominated for a Grammy Award for "Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical".

Musical Journey and Tragic End

Over the next few years, Hedges extensively toured, mainly performing at college campuses and New Age festivals. He also composed music for films and participated in collaborative albums and concerts at Windham Hill Records. In 1991, his album "Taproot" was nominated for a Grammy Award for "Best New Age Album". Tragically, on December 2, 1997, at the age of 43, Hedges died in a car accident. Due to heavy rain, his vehicle skidded off the road and plunged off a 37-meter cliff near the town of Boonville, 160 km northwest of San Francisco. In 1998, his posthumous album "Oracle" received a Grammy Award for "Best New Age Album". For several years, Hedges' friends and collaborators worked on his unfinished recordings and performance fragments, resulting in the release of the memorial album "Torched" in 1999.

Legacy and Recognition

In 2006, Sony BMG released a compilation album of Hedges' best songs titled "Pure Michael Hedges". His unique style and innovative approach to the guitar continue to inspire musicians and enthusiasts around the world. Despite his untimely death, Hedges' contribution to the music industry, particularly in the New Age genre, remains influential and celebrated.