Born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1952, Larry Steele’s family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida in 1956. Raised in a musical household, Larry began attending live concerts, featuring mostly black acts, in 1960. It was during this time that a strong desire to play music began taking hold. As a direct result of the Beatles’ arrival in early 1964, Steele was among hundreds of thousands of young Americans to begin putting together his own band, the first of which was co-founded with future Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins. While possessing a deep appreciation for music of all genres, Steele’s preference for rock has never diminished. After sixteen years of performing with various bands throughout North Florida and South Georgia, including a brief stint with Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1973, Steele was employed by 38 Special as their Stage Manager in January, 1980. Later that same year he was given the opportunity to become a co-writer for the band. After the completion of 5 North American Tours and 3 World Tours, Steele’s employment with 38 came to an end in 1987. Following 27 years in the wholesale electronics industry, Steele is now retired in Jacksonville, where he resides with his wife and three dogs.