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Pat Metheny, born August 12, 1954, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, has stood at the forefront of modern music for more than five decades. Beginning on trumpet at age eight and switching to guitar at twelve, Metheny was performing with Kansas City’s top jazz musicians by fifteen—an early start that helped shape his unmistakable sound.
After joining vibraphonist Gary Burton’s group in 1974, Metheny’s horn-like phrasing, lyrical touch, and rhythmic fluidity quickly distinguished him. His debut album, Bright Size Life (1975), redefined the possibilities of jazz guitar, introducing a new sonic openness and melodic clarity that inspired generations of players.
With more than 20 million albums sold and 20 Grammy Awards in ten different categories—a record unmatched by any other artist—Metheny’s influence extends across genres and generations.
His collaborations span from Steve Reich and Ornette Coleman to Herbie Hancock, Jim Hall, Milton Nascimento, and David Bowie. His compositions encompass everything from solo guitar works and orchestral pieces to the groundbreaking Orchestrion project.
A dedicated educator, Metheny became the youngest instructor in the history of both the University of Miami and Berklee College of Music, where he later received an honorary doctorate. He is a member of the DownBeat Hall of Fame, a NEA Jazz Master, and an inductee of both the Royal Swedish Academy of Music and the Missouri Hall of Fame.
In 2026, Metheny will embark on a world tour with his new ensemble Side-Eye III+, supporting the release of their self-titled album—the first on his new label, Uniquity Music, which will encompass all of his recordings since 1984 and all future projects.