Steven Siro "
Steve"
Vai (; born June 6, 1960) is an American guitarist, composer, singer, songwriter, and producer, born and raised in
Long Island,
New York. Vai was voted the 10th "Greatest Guitarist" by
Guitar World magazine, and has sold over 15 million records. A three-time
Grammy Award winner and fifteen-time nominee, Vai started his music career in 1978 at the age of 18 as a transcriptionist for
Frank Zappa, and joined his band from 1980 to 1983. He embarked on a solo career in 1983 and has released eight solo albums to date. He has recorded and toured with
Alcatrazz,
David Lee Roth,
Whitesnake, as well as having recorded with artists such as
Mary J. Blige,
Spinal Tap, and
Ozzy Osbourne. Additionally, Vai has toured with live-only acts
G3,
Zappa Plays Zappa, the Experience Hendrix tour, as well as headlining international tours.