Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Steve Martin

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 3, 2026

Discover the career path of Steve Martin, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Stephen Glenn Martin is a multifaceted American entertainer celebrated for his contributions to comedy, acting, writing, producing, and music. He's won numerous awards, including five Grammys, a Primetime Emmy, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Martin has also received prestigious honors like the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Kennedy Center Honors, an Honorary Academy Award, and an AFI Life Achievement Award. Comedy Central recognized his stand-up prowess, ranking him sixth among the 100 greatest stand-up comics.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1978: Novelty hit song

In 1978 Steve Martin wrote the novelty hit song "King Tut".

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1990: USO Tour to Saudi Arabia

In 1990, Steve Martin went on a USO Tour to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm, meeting with military service men and women.

June 2009: Tour with Steep Canyon Rangers

In June 2009, Steve Martin played the banjo alongside the Steep Canyon Rangers on A Prairie Home Companion.

2010: Performances with Steep Canyon Rangers

In 2010, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers performed at the New Orleans Jazzfest, Merlefest Bluegrass Festival, Bonnaroo Music Festival, ROMP Bluegrass Festival, Red Butte Garden Concert series, and on BBC's Later... with Jools Holland.

2010: Creation of the Steve Martin Prize

In 2010, Steve Martin created the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, an award to reward artistry and bring greater visibility to bluegrass performers.

March 21, 2011: Performance on The Colbert Report

On March 21, 2011, Steve Martin performed "Jubilation Day" with the Steep Canyon Rangers on The Colbert Report.

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May 3, 2011: Performance on Conan

On May 3, 2011, Steve Martin performed "Jubilation Day" with the Steep Canyon Rangers on Conan.

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July 4, 2011: Capitol Fourth Celebration performance

On July 4, 2011, Steve Martin performed "Me and Paul Revere" and two other songs at the "Capitol Fourth Celebration" on the lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

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July 6, 2011: Performance on BBC's The One Show

On July 6, 2011, Steve Martin performed "Jubilation Day" with the Steep Canyon Rangers on BBC's The One Show.

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April 2013: Release of "Love Has Come for You"

In April 2013, Steve Martin released "Love Has Come for You", a collaboration album with Edie Brickell and they appeared on talk shows such as The View and Late Show with David Letterman to promote the album.

May 2013: Tour with Steep Canyon Rangers and Edie Brickell

Starting in May 2013, Steve Martin began a tour with the Steep Canyon Rangers and Edie Brickell throughout the United States.

2015: Release of "So Familiar"

In 2015, Steve Martin and Edie Brickell released "So Familiar" as the second installment of their partnership.

June 9, 2017: Release of Music from The American Epic Sessions

On June 9, 2017, Music from The American Epic Sessions, the soundtrack of the multi-award-winning documentary film The American Epic Sessions, was released featuring Steve Martin and Edie Brickell performing "The Coo Coo Bird".

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2021: Assistance in launching NEIVA

In 2021, Steve Martin assisted in launching the National Endowment for Indigenous Visual Arts (NEIVA), a fund to support Australian Indigenous artists.