Andy Lee Stephens is originally from Snellville Georgia. The singer-songwriter’s musical career really was born when, at the encouragement of his father, Tony, 12-year-old Andy began taking guitar lessons. Within a year or two, he had progressed far enough in his playing that he was ready to sing in front of his friends at his high school’s talent show. By the end of that performance, he knew that a career as a professional musician would be a lifelong ambition for him. His father continues to play a prominent role in Andy’s musical development.
The next several years saw Andy finish high school and begin the often rewarding but always difficult life of a working musician. For much of his teenage years and early adulthood, Andy played in various bands, culminating in a period of several years as the lead singer for house bands at country dance clubs in the southeastern part of the United States. Most of his experience during this period involved a growing repertoire of country, classic rock and blues, but Andy looks back fondly on gigs pairing his vocals and guitar music with the talents of the drummer and Latin percussionist Charlie Tango. In 2004, he was Georgia’s winner for Nashville Star. Throughout this period of time, Andy also practiced his singing and songwriting. Reflecting back on the road which led to the recognition of his talent and potential by Viking Lodge Music, he realized that he had played a gig every weekend for at least 3 years without letup.
He signed his contract with Viking Lodge Music on March 19, 2007, and quickly recorded his first album, Learning to Live, which he released in January of 2008. The release of his first single from the 11-track album, “Too Far Gone,” in June of 2008 followed from this event. Andy characterizes his inspiration for the song as, “a long time and many girlfriends ago.” He is currently married to his loving wife, Lisa. He cites Lisa’s encouragement and support as a major factor in his continuing success as a musician.
Andy lists a wide range of musicians as influences on his work, including John Mellencamp, Garth Brooks and James Taylor. Female favorites include the Dixie Chicks, Leann Rimes, and Kelly Clarkson, as well as Pam Tillis, with whose music he has been fascinated since he was young. Local musician Bill Whitford considers Andy Lee an example of, “today’s country,” characterizing him as “a combination of Keith Urban and Bon Jovi, a great performer and writer.” Dennis Ellerbee calls his music, “energetic and exciting,” adding that, “he writes and sings from the heart.”
