Early Life and Toto
Steve Lukather was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. A self-taught musician in his early years, he began playing guitar at age seven after being inspired by The Beatles—particularly George Harrison. His parents encouraged his interest in music, and by the time he reached high school, Lukather was already performing and studying music seriously.
He attended Grant High School, where he met future bandmates David Paich, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Porcaro, and others who would eventually form Toto. During high school, Lukather also took guitar lessons from jazz guitarist Jimmy Wyble, helping him master both jazz and rock.
In 1977, Lukather co-founded Toto, a band that would become synonymous with musicianship and chart-topping hits in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Their fusion of rock, pop, funk, and progressive elements helped define a generation of music. Lukather quickly emerged not only as the lead guitarist but also a vocalist and key songwriter.
Lukather has remained Toto’s only consistent member throughout the band’s many lineup changes.
Session Lord
Outside of Toto, Lukather became one of the most in-demand session guitarists in music history. Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, he played on over 1,500 albums, working with a staggering list of artists.
Working frequently with producers like Quincy Jones and David Foster, Lukather was known for his versatility: he could nail screaming solos, smooth jazz textures, or funk grooves with equal ease.
In honor of his session work, here are some of our favorite non-Toto songs that Lukather played on.
Michael Jackson - Beat It
Album: Thriller (1982)
Lukather played rhythm guitar, bass, and solo fills (not the main solo — that was an obscure guitarists known as Eddie Van Halen).
Boz Scaggs - Lowdown
Album: Silk Degrees (1976)
One of the earliest showcases of Lukather’s groove on rhythm and lead guitar, he was only 19.
Lionel Richie - Running With The Night
Album: Can't Slow Down (1983)
Guitar solo by Lukather.
Olivia Newton-John - Physical
Album: Physical (1981)
That slick guitar in the background? Lukather.
Don Henley - Dirty Laundry
Album: I Can't Stand Still (1982)
Crunchy rhythm guitar parts are Lukather's work, and while the first solo is Eagles buddy Joe Walsh, the second solo is also Lukather.
Cher - If I Could Turn Back Time
Album: Heart of Stone (1989)
Once you hear it...
Diana Ross - Mirror Mirror
Album: Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1981)
Lukather delivers some slick call and response guitar along with big rhythm chunks.
Paul McCartney - So Bad
Album: Pipes of Peace (1983)
Playing with a Beatle isn't so bad.
Aretha Franklin - Jump To It
Album: Jump to It (1982)
Guitar work on the Luther Vandross-produced hit.
Elton John - Little Jeannie
Album: 21 at 33 (1980)
Lukather plays clean rhythm guitar.
He was and is a lot more than Africa (although that song is epic).
