Who Is Steve Howe? Age, Biography and Wiki
Steve Howe, born on April 8, 1947, is a renowned English guitarist celebrated for his work with the progressive rock band Yes. As of 2025, he is 78 years old and continues to be a prominent figure in the music industry. Howe is known for his virtuosic guitar skills and has contributed significantly to rock music through various styles and techniques. His Wikipedia page offers extensive details about his musical journey.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 8, 1947 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Holloway, London, England |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Steve Howe's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At 78 years of age, Steve Howe stands tall at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (177 cm). Throughout his career, he has maintained a slim build, weighing around 160 pounds (73 kg). Although specific measurements like chest, waist, and shoe size are not publicly documented, Howe’s stature has never hindered his ability to command the stage with energy and enthusiasm.
In April 1970, the rock band Yes sought a new guitarist following the departure of Peter Banks. Howe was invited to a try out session with the group in Fulham, which consisted of Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford, and Tony Kaye; he was successful and became a member in June.
By this time, Yes had recorded their second album Time and a Word (1970) but it was not yet released. A photograph of Howe with the band was used on its cover for the American release despite his not playing on it. After several gigs, Yes retreated to Devon to rehearse and develop new material for The Yes Album (1971).
Howe went on to buy Langley Farm, where the group had stayed. Howe's proficiency with a wide range of guitars, and his strong contributions to the songwriting, made him a prolific member who was an essential part of the band's change in musical direction towards progressive rock.
The Yes Album and Fragile (1971) include his solo acoustic pieces "Clap" and "Mood for a Day", and writing credits for the popular tracks "Yours Is No Disgrace", "Starship Trooper", and "Roundabout". The latter earned Howe and Anderson a BMI Award for writing the song.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Steve Howe has been married twice. He first married his wife, Virginia, in the late '60s, and together they raised three children. Following their separation, Howe met his current partner, who is not widely known in the public eye. As a private individual, Steve prefers to keep details of his personal life away from media scrutiny, focusing more on his music and family life.
He grew up in a middle-class family apartment with three older siblings, brothers Phillip and John, and sister Stella, the son of Cyril Howe, head chef at The Palmerston, a Bishopsgate restaurant, and his wife Ada. Among Howe's earliest memories is marching around the home to brass band music that he played on the home stereo.
He cites several influences from his parents' record collection including Les Paul and Tennessee Ernie Ford, and also listened to classical guitar and jazz, citing Barney Kessel as a primary influence. Howe also credited Wes Montgomery and Chet Atkins, whom he first heard in 1959, as a major inspiration.
Howe said he took from Atkins, "the idea that one guitarist could play any kind of guitar style." Howe was also influenced by Bob Dylan, remarking: "I think he brought out the rebel in me, and that rebel wasn't somebody who wanted to break things, but the rebel in me wanted to do my thing ... a rebellion against anything other than being me ...
he became like a cult hero". Howe attended Holloway School, and later Barnsbury Boys' School in Islington, which he left in 1962, aged 15, after failing all his O-levels.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Steve Howe’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. His earnings primarily stem from his successful music career, which includes record sales, concert tours, and royalties from his extensive catalog of work. As a member of one of the most successful progressive rock bands of all time, Howe continues to benefit from his contributions to the genre.
Career, Business and Investments
Steve Howe’s career spans several decades, beginning in the late 1960s with his involvement in Yes. Aside from his work with the band, he has also released numerous solo albums, showcasing his diverse musical talent. In addition to his music career, Howe has engaged in various business ventures, including music production and guitar endorsements. His investments in music gear and technology have also kept him at the forefront of the industry.
Stephen James Howe (born 8 April 1947) is an English musician, best known as the guitarist and backing vocalist in the progressive rock band Yes across three stints since 1970. Born in Holloway, North London, Howe developed an interest in the guitar and began to learn the instrument himself at age 12.
He embarked on a music career in 1964, first playing in several London-based blues, covers, and psychedelic rock bands for six years, including the Syndicats, Tomorrow, and Bodast.
Social Network
Steve Howe maintains a modest presence on social media, often sharing updates about his music and life. He is active on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where fans can follow his journey and insights on music. Through these channels, Howe often engages with his audience, providing a glimpse into his creative process and upcoming projects.
Howe would bring multiple guitars on tour with him to re-create the same sound in concert that was on the original recording. In the 2000s, he began using a Line 6 digital guitar in concert which could be programmed to sound like his other guitars.
Education
Steve Howe's formal education in music is not well documented, but he is largely considered a self-taught guitarist. He honed his skills through years of practice and performance, absorbing influences from various genres and styles. This dedication to his craft has earned him accolades and admiration from both fans and fellow musicians alike.
As we look forward to the future, Steve Howe remains an iconic figure in rock music, continually evolving and contributing to the industry he loves.
On 24 May 1996, Howe received an honorary doctorate in Musical Arts (DMA) from Five Towns College in Dix Hills, New York. Also in 1996 he played with Asia on a song called Ginger meant for Arena, but left off the album and released on Archiva Vol. 1 later that year. He also added his guitar to two of the songs from Aura, released in 2001.
