Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Steve Martin

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

Stephen Glenn Martin is a highly acclaimed American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and musician. He's celebrated for his contributions to comedy films, television, and music, earning numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He has also received nominations for Golden Globe and Tony Awards. His contributions to comedy and the arts have been recognized with prestigious honors such as the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Kennedy Center Honors, an Honorary Academy Award, and an AFI Life Achievement Award. Comedy Central ranked him among the greatest stand-up comics of all time.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1978: Release of "King Tut"

In 1978, Steve Martin's novelty hit song "King Tut" was originally released.

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1984: Appointment to LACMA board of trustees

In 1984, Steve Martin was appointed to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) board of trustees.

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 members.

2004: Departure from LACMA board of trustees

In 2004, Steve Martin left the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) board of trustees, after serving since 1984.

June 2009: Appearance on A Prairie Home Companion

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

2010: Performances with the 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 for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass

In 2010, Steve Martin created the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass to reward artistry and increase visibility for 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.

May 3, 2011: Performance on Conan

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

July 4, 2011: Capitol Fourth Celebration Performance

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

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.

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

In April 2013, the collaboration album "Love Has Come for You" with Edie Brickell was released.

May 2013: Tour with the Steep Canyon Rangers and Edie Brickell begins

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.

2015: "The Idea of North: The Paintings of Lawren Harris" exhibition

In 2015, Steve Martin organized "The Idea of North: The Paintings of Lawren Harris" exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and other locations.

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

On June 9, 2017, the soundtrack "Music from The American Epic Sessions" was released, featuring Martin and Brickell's version of "The Coo Coo Bird."

2019: "Desert Painters of Australia" exhibition

In 2019, Steve Martin organized an exhibition with Gagosian Gallery titled "Desert Painters of Australia", which featured art by George Tjungurrayi and Emily Kame Kngwarreye.

2021: Assisted in launching National Endowment for Indigenous Visual Arts

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