Jim ‘STEELIN1’ Heep is a pedal steel guitarist, session musician, and touring musician whose work has taken him from Nashville stages to performances around the world.
Early Beginnings
Jim “STEELIN1” Heep’s journey with the pedal steel guitar began at just 10 years old, when his cousin Stewart Heep introduced him to the instrument and became his first teacher. That early introduction sparked a lifelong passion that would take Jim from local stages to some of the most iconic venues in country music around the world.
As his skills developed, Jim continued learning from other respected local players Carlton Day and Bud Hall. At the age of 12, he took his playing to the next level by attending Jeff Newman’s Pedal Steel Guitar College, where he had the opportunity to study under legendary pedal steel players Jeff Newman, Paul Franklin, and Buddy Emmons.
First Professional Gigs
Jim played his first professional gig at 14 years old. Originally from Owensboro, Kentucky, Jim spent more than four decades building his career in the region before eventually making his home in the Nashville, Tennessee area, putting him at the heart of the country music industry.
Touring and Recording
Over the years, Jim has toured and performed with artists including James Otto, Shannon Lawson, John Nicholson, and Chris Janson. He currently performs and tours with the legendary Bellamy Brothers. In addition to touring and live performance, Jim is also an experienced studio session musician, providing pedal steel guitar for recording projects and artists.
Performing Around the World
Jim’s career has taken him far beyond the United States. He made history as the first pedal steel guitar player to perform in both India and Sri Lanka, bringing the unique sound of the pedal steel guitar to audiences in countries where the instrument is rarely heard.
While performing with the Bellamy Brothers, Jim has continued to travel internationally, including being part of the Bellamy Brothers’ historic trip to Dubai as part of their groundbreaking role as the first American country music act to perform there.
Career Highlights
Jim has also had the honor of performing numerous times on the Grand Ole Opry and at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium—milestones that represent the culmination of decades of dedication to his craft.
A Life in Pedal Steel
From a 10-year-old discovering the pedal steel guitar to performing on some of country music’s most celebrated stages, recording in the studio, and bringing the instrument to audiences around the world, Jim “STEELIN1” Heep continues to bring his distinctive sound, experience, and passion for the pedal steel guitar to every performance and recording.
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