Steve Free is a highly decorated singer, songwriter, and storyteller whose career is deeply rooted in the culture and history of Southern Ohio , and the surrounding Appalachian region. Free’s music is a unique blend of folk, country, and Americana, heavily influenced by his Appalachian and Native American heritage.
Recent News and Honors
Steve Free continues to be recognized as a cornerstone of Ohio's cultural heritage:
· Appalachian Heritage Award (December 2025): Free was honored at the Ohio Statehouse with this prestigious award, presented by Governor Mike DeWine. The award celebrated his lifelong dedication to cultural preservation and his role as an "ambassador" for Southern Ohio’s traditions.
· Latest Album—There for You: Recent reviews highlight this 13-track set as a "culminating experience" of his career. It features tracks like "Highway of Love," "The Legend of the Old Peddler" (a ghost story featuring David Johnson on fiddle), and "Ake Alagwa," which showcases Free’s skill on the Native American flute.
· International Recognition: He remains a mainstay on European Americana and folk charts, recently earning "Best Folk Artist" accolades from international publications and maintaining high airplay in countries like Germany and Australia.
Career Highlights
Steve Free has amassed an impressive list of credentials over his 40-year career:
· 9 ASCAP Awards and a Grammy nomination (2016).
· Chart Success: He has charted over 50 songs nationally and internationally, including more than 20 #1 hits. His 1993 song "Siege at Lucasville," which documented the Southern Ohio prison riot, gained national attention and was featured on CBS’s 48 Hours.
· Official Ohio Treasure: He was officially named an "Ohio Treasure" by the state assembly in 2009 and won the Governor’s Award for the Arts as the #1 Artist in Ohio in 2008.
· "Ohio Artist On Tour": Through the Ohio Arts Council, Free conducts award-winning educational programs for schools, teaching children about Native American and Appalachian history through song.· 2008 Governor's Award For The Arts as Ohio's # Artist "
· 1996 Independent Recording Artist Of The Year
· 2019 named Best American Folk Artist by British Music Magazine LUX LIFE
· Just a Baby Boy single has become a World Wide Christmas Classic
Personal Background
Born near Portsmouth in 1950, Free graduated from Northwest High School and served in the Air Force (1969–1973), where he first began writing songs. He often collaborates with his wife, Susan Free, and various musicians. His connection to Portsmouth is immortalized in his song "Portsmouth Ohio," which serves as a local anthem and is performed with the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra.
wikipedia.org bio
Steve Free: From History Teacher to Appalachian Folk Singer
Everyone Has a Story–TrueTales from Everyday Life
youtube interview Part 1 & Part 2
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