Internationally respected as a jazz drummer, percussionist, clinician and educator, Steve Houghton has shared both stage and studio with renowned jazz and pop artists, including Joe Henderson, Barbra Streisand, Arturo Sandoval, Gary Burton, Billy Childs, Scott Henderson and Bob Florence. A Wisconsin native, Houghton received his first acclaim at age 20 as a drummer with Woody Herman's Young Thundering Herd. He was chosen for The Herd while a member of the One O'Clock Lab Band (1974-75) at the University of North-Texas, with which he recorded the Grammy Award nominated album Lab 75.
After two years with The Herd, Houghton polished his reading skills in Dallas studios for four years then moved to California, where he quickly established himself through tenure with Toshike Akiyoshi. In 1980, a last minute call to substitute for Freddie Hubbard's drummer evolved into a two year association. By the mid-80's, Houghton, a busy Las Angeles studio musician, was writing, teaching at area universities and performing with symphony orchestras as a featured guest percussionist, activities he continues to pursue today.
Houghton's Recent recordings (as leader) include Steve Houghton (Signature Series, Mesa Bluemoon), Remembrances (Warner Bros.) And Windsong (SHPERC Records). He also may be heard on The Music of PatMetheny & Lyle Mays with Bob Curnow's Big Band (MAMA Foundation). Houghton is the author of more than 20 composite educational publications, including The Contemporary Rhythm Section (text and video series), Essential Styles (play-a-long series) and his most recent collection, MasterTracks (play-a-long improvisation series).
Houghton is a member of the Percussive Arts Society board of directors and co-chairman of the International Association of Jazz Educators percussion division. He endorses Pear/Adams, Zildjian, Calato, Innovative Percussion and Remo products.