Billy McLaughlin

Contemporary acoustic guitarist Billy McLaughlin grew up in Minneapolis before pursuing formal studies at the University of Southern California. During his time there, he delved into both composition and finger-style acoustic techniques, then released his first two independent LPs, Inhale Pink and Exhale Blue, shortly after earning his degree in 1989. Maintaining a demanding schedule of more than 200 concerts annually, he delivered his third album, The Archery of Guitar, in 1993 and received the “New Age Artist of the Year” honor from the Minnesota Music Awards that same year. Wintersongs and Traditionals appeared the following year, after which he joined the Hindu Rodeo Crew to record The Bow and Arrow in 1995. Fingerdance marked his debut on the Narada label in 1996, and he returned to the imprint three years later with Out of Hand. Stormseekers arrived the next year.