Born in Athens, Georgia, and raised in twelve different US states, KOTTKE found his way to the guitar at an early age. After initially trying his hand at the violin and trombone, he discovered the guitar as his central means of expression at the age of eleven. Inspired by the country blues of a Mississippi John Hurt as well as by marching music and rhythmic sound experiments, KOTTKE developed his very own sound - characterized by the fingerpicking technique on the twelve-string guitar.

He released his first album in 1968 at the legendary Scholar Coffeehouse in Minneapolis, where artists such as Bob Dylan had already made their first appearances. The attention of guitarist John Fahey led to a contract with the renowned Takoma label, later followed by albums on Capitol Records - including classics such as "Mudlark", "Greenhouse" and "Ice Water".

Despite his exceptional instrumental skills, KOTTKE has also been repeatedly positioned as a singer/songwriter - a role he approaches with tongue-in-cheek skepticism. He much prefers to let his guitars do the talking - sometimes lyrically, sometimes rhythmically, always with technical brilliance.

International tours have taken him through Europe and Australia. The collaboration with Mike Gordon, bassist of the band Phish, marked another creative chapter in 2002. The joint album "Clone" and the follow-up production "Sixty Six Steps" were created with producer David Z (Prince, Fine Young Cannibals).

LEO KOTTKE has twice been nominated for a Grammy and has received numerous awards, including an honorary doctorate in music performance and a tongue-in-cheek "Certificate of Significant Achievement in Not Playing the Trombone".

His concerts are intimate sound journeys - with masterful guitar technique, charming storytelling and a very special atmosphere. A must for lovers of handmade music.