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bio

A musician, teacher, and head of the Willie Steel Band (one of the last great territory bands on Long Island, NY), Willie Steel operates under an abiding principle - truth in music.  For over 35 years, he has led bands of all types (blues, rock, jazz, country, bluegrass, Hawaiian, soul, funk, r&b) at clubs as well as at corporate events, festivals, and private events, including weddings, fundraisers, bar mitzvahs, and parties. 

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Willie Steel's journey began under the tutelage of the renowned Billy Bauer.  Willie studied with him for six years until Billy pronounced, "you've had enough."  In the early days, Willie split his time between writing music, fronting bands, and playing gigs of all kinds and in all directions - as far north as Maine, as far south as Puerto Rico, and west to Chicago, Memphis, and Mississippi. 

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Willie Steel is the founder of Huntington Bay Music Store in Huntington, NY, which he ran for 10 years.  Since he sold the store, Willie focuses on playing gigs with some of the most talented musicians on Long Island as well as teaching scores of students all things musical.  As Billy Bauer did for him many years ago, Willie imparts this knowledge to his students - what music is and a bunch of "hows" - how to learn it, study it, practice it, and appreciate it.

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