Joe started playing guitar at the age of four with the help of his father, Joe Becker Sr. who gained notoriety for his compositions, "I Saw Elvis" and "Zip It" on the Dr. Demento Radio Show. Joe's early musical education included guitar, bass, vocals, rock history, composition, harmony and multi-track recording utilizing Sony's, "Sound-On-Sound" technology found on reel-to-reel tape machines at the time. Joe also had additional family influences to succeed musically, being that of his uncle Ed Becker who founded two popular 60's bands, "Spot And The Blotters" who eventually released a song called, "Soul Circle" on the Equal Label, and "The Four Souls". Another uncle (by marriage) Joe Kelly, was lead guitarist for the popular 60's group, "Shadows Of Knight" who were popular for their cover of, "G-L-O-R-I-A" and also ran the legendary, "Kingston Mines" Blues club located in Chicago, IL. With his father's involvement in the industry, Joe also got to witness musical success first-hand by meeting such greats as Jonathan Edwards and Ronnie Rice of the New Colony Six (who performed at Joe and Melissa's wedding, dedicating the NCS hit, "I Will Always Think About You").
Joe appeared on the Jonathan Brandmeier show on Chicago's WLUP ("The Loop") 97.9 F.M. from ages 7 to 10. Due to his constant focus on music, his teachers allowed him to play his guitar at school, sometimes performing for the classrooms of his peers. During High-School, he was periodically allowed to go to the library to practice in leu of study hall, where he was occasionally asked to tutor fellow students who were attending band class.
After high-school Joe started a family with his wife, Melissa. Full time, he worked in Aerospace manufacturing. Part-time, he taught guitar, bass, vocals, history, theory and composition at Weaver's Music in Elgin, IL for 6 years. As Weaver's Music is primarily a piano house, he quickly picked up on navigating the ivories.
During this time Joe also started providing bed music and stingers (music for radio commercials and DJ phone-in's) for the Chicago Blues Explosion on WJKL 94.7 F.M. (sample 1, sample 2, sample 3) and for Ken Cocker on the now defunct Oldies 104.3 F.M (Sample 1). He also befriended one of his musical inspirations, Jason Becker (no relation) and later became his business manager, volunteering his time and utilizing his business accumen to advise upon and adjust Jason's recording and endorsement contracts and set-up and partake in guitar clinics with major music retailers (Guitar Center) in addition to securing timely payouts to help battle his medical expenses. Joe continues to remain on call for Jason.
Joe realized his first global exposure signing with the Lion Music record label for a contribution to a tribute release for his friend Jason Becker. The release also contains contributions from artists such as Steve Vai and Marty Friedman. In the years to follow, he also had the good fortune of having his music released on several other labels via similar tribute / benefit albums also featuring artists such as Richie Sambora, Steve Morse, Buckethead, Alex Skolnick, Bumblefoot, Lars Eric Mattsson, Jeff Pilson, Randy Coven, E'nuff Z'nuff and Trixter.
Morley pedals and Guitar World Magazine have also included Joe's music on CD's which include artists such as Eddie Van Halen, Michael Angelo Batio, Blues Saraceno, Mark Wood and Ron Keel. These disks had a combined circulation of roughly 205,000 units. Joe's own solo releases have included appearances by Jason Becker, Todd Duane and Joe Kelley.
Joe has also had his music featured in films such as, "Evil Awakening" a Tempe video release which is also available for rent through Netflix.
Joe works full time as Quality Manager for an Aerospace Precision Machininingcompany, supporting a family of four. In his down time, he writes and records music at his home studio, "White Room" in Lake In The Hills, IL. Joe plays and records all of the instruments (guitar, bass, piano) with the exception of drums and in addition to releasing solo efforts, licenses his music for use in films. Although Joe is known largely for his guitar playing, he is better known as a, "tune-smith" due to his hook-filled compositions which are best suited for radio play and soundtracks. His primary goal when writing and recording music is to create something the listener will enjoy, remember and want to listen to again.
For more information, visit the Discography page.
Joe endorses GHS strings, Morley Pedals, Accusound cables, Cat's Eye pedals, Lace Pickups, Italia Guitar Straps and Hipshot guitar products.
QUOTES
Becker is a very versatile and lyrical player who runs the gauntlet from shred to ear catching, melodic instrumentals, at times bringing to mind players such as Joe Satriani and Eric Johnson.
Mike
Varney - Guitar Player Magazine
Joe has a great bluesy feel and plays with his heart. Good technique with tapping and speedy stuff - he's one of those guys that ya jam with for hours and a lot of cool stuff happens, know what I mean?
Ron Thal (A.K.A. Bumblefoot) - Guns n' Roses
Joe Becker is one of those guitarists who can take you into places you want to go
but never seem to get the chance. A truly gifted musician.
Dick Wagner - Alice Cooper
What tone, feel and chops, AND humour.
Love the " spoken-blues rave" whilst you are shredding..with taste I might add.
Steve Lukather - Toto
He's got the most incredible tone.............ever.
Greg Douglass - Steve Miller Band
Joe Becker has some really wicked blues chops. He is a very versatile musician and I am proud to call him my friend. I can't wait to jam with him when I am healed.
Jason Becker - David Lee Roth / Cacophony
Joe Becker is a very good guitarist.
Michael Von Knooring - Yngwie Malmsteen
You're really good, man.
Eric Martin - Mr.
Big
I enjoy listening to your music.
Leo Lyons - Ten Years After
Joe's got a good vibe goin' on and some tasty tunes.
George Bellas - Moggway / Ring Of Fire
Excellent sense of melody and amazing chops.
Joe Kelley - The Shadows of Knight
Joe's playing style puts a fresh spin on the blues while still staying true to the roots of the music and paying tribute to the legends. His licks are original,innovative and full of feeling but yet still manage to capture the essence of the music that has made Chicago the World Capital of the Blues for over 50 years. Joe Becker is a versatile player who can handle many styles of music, but I'm partial to that low down and dirty blues......This is some great music that deserves to be heard!
Dave Herda - The
Chicago Blues Explosion