The Unseen Legend: 5 Iconic TV Shows That Feature Steve Watson's Guitar Riffs (And His 2023 Retirement)

Few musicians have a career as diverse and impactful as Steve Watson, a name that might not be instantly recognizable to the average listener, yet whose guitar work has been heard by millions on television, in major motion pictures, and alongside some of the biggest names in music. As of today, December 10, 2025, Watson remains one of the most respected figures in modern jazz and session music, having recently stepped away from a significant teaching role to focus on his own creative projects.

The story of Steve Watson is a masterclass in musical versatility, spanning from touring with country legends to becoming the go-to studio guitarist for Hollywood’s biggest 80s crime dramas. His seamless transition from a touring band member to a highly sought-after session player and, eventually, a dedicated jazz educator, highlights a career defined by deep musicality and an enduring commitment to the art of the guitar.

The Complete Profile: Steve Watson Musician Biography

Steve Watson is an American jazz guitarist, composer, writer, and educator, best known for his extensive work as a studio musician in Los Angeles and his tenure as the Director of Jazz Studies at the Fine Arts Center in Greenville, South Carolina. His career is marked by an incredible range, encompassing smooth jazz, rock, folk, Americana, and gospel.

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• Full Name: Steven Watson (often credited as Steve Watson)
• Primary Instrument: Guitar (Jazz, Studio, Session)
• Associated Locations: Los Angeles, California (Studio Career); Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina (Academic Career)
• Education: Master of Music (MM) in Jazz Guitar Performance from the University of Miami.
• Notable Career Milestones:
  • Member of The Bruce Hornsby Band (1978–1984).
  • Studio Session Guitarist in Los Angeles (1980s).
  • Adjunct Professor of Studio-Jazz Guitar at the University of Southern California (USC).
  • Named a "New Artist" in 1986.
  • Director of Jazz Studies at the Greenville County Fine Arts Center (Retired 2023).
• Associated Acts/Bands: The Bruce Hornsby Band, The Mutineers, Steve Cotton.
• Notable Collaborations: Toured with Dolly Parton.
• Current Status: Retired from teaching in 2023, focusing on composing, writing, and new album projects.

The Golden Era of Session Work: TV Themes and Iconic Riffs

Steve Watson’s most ubiquitous contributions to pop culture came during his time in Los Angeles in the 1980s, where he established himself as a premier studio session guitarist. His ability to play fluently in virtually all styles of music made him the first call for producers working on major network television shows.

His guitar work is woven into the fabric of classic television, providing the essential sonic backdrop to some of the era's most popular crime and action dramas. If you’ve heard the theme music or incidental guitar riffs in these shows, you’ve heard Steve Watson’s playing.

The TV Shows Featuring Steve Watson’s Guitar

Watson’s session credits are a who’s who of 80s television hits, cementing his legacy as a hidden hero of the small screen. His distinctive tone on the electric guitar is instantly recognizable to those who know where to listen.

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• Magnum P.I.: The iconic opening theme, often featuring a driving, full-jam electric guitar sound, showcases Watson’s work.
• Hill Street Blues: He provided session guitar work for the critically acclaimed police procedural.
• The A-Team: Watson’s contributions are featured in the music for the popular action series.
• Quantum Leap: He was a studio guitarist for the time-travel series.
• Hunter: His versatility was employed on the music for this crime drama.

Beyond television, Watson’s guitar sound has been utilized in countless commercial jingles for major brands, including Coors, Budweiser, 7-11, Acura, Honda, and Toyota. This extensive commercial work further illustrates his reputation as a reliable and versatile guitarist capable of delivering exactly what a producer needs across any genre.

From Touring with Bruce Hornsby to Jazz Academia

Before his session career took off in Los Angeles, Steve Watson gained invaluable experience on the road as a member of The Bruce Hornsby Band from 1978 through 1984. This period of touring and performance honed his skills as a live musician and contributed to his comprehensive understanding of American music styles, including folk, rock, and Americana.

Following his successful run as a studio musician, Watson shifted his focus to education. He served as an Adjunct Professor of Studio-Jazz Guitar at the prestigious University of Southern California (USC), sharing his real-world industry knowledge with the next generation of musicians. His move to the Southeast saw him take on the role of Director of Jazz Studies at the Greenville County Fine Arts Center in South Carolina, where he became a cornerstone of the local jazz scene.

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His tenure at the Fine Arts Center was marked by a deep commitment to jazz pedagogy. Many consider him a foundational figure in the Greenville Jazz community, elevating the program and mentoring numerous successful students. This phase of his career, which lasted until his retirement in 2023, cemented his status not just as a performer, but as a vital educator.

Recent Projects and a New Creative Chapter Post-2023

The most recent and current update on Steve Watson’s career is his retirement from full-time teaching in 2023. This transition has not slowed his musical output; rather, it has allowed him to dedicate more time to composing, writing, and recording new material, fulfilling the promise of a revitalized creative chapter.

Watson has recently completed two new, well-received albums with the renowned producer Dimmer Blackwell. One of these albums is titled Isolation, which is described as an eclectic mix of rock, blues, and other genres. This suggests that his post-academia work is pushing beyond his known smooth jazz and session work, exploring a broader range of his musical influences.

Key Discography and Musical Entities

While his full discography is extensive, covering session work and collaborations, his solo and co-led projects highlight his skills as a composer and bandleader. His work consistently demonstrates a mastery of the jazz guitar, blending complex technique with accessible melody.

• Reflections (Jazz CD): A notable jazz recording featuring Watson on guitar alongside bassist Ian Bracchitta.
• Heat It Up (2015): A solo CD that critics noted as "pure 21st century fusion," showcasing his contemporary smooth jazz and fusion sensibilities.
• A Tribute to Ron Miller (2021): An album where Watson appears as a co-leader or side person, demonstrating his continued engagement with the jazz community.
• Isolation: One of the two recently completed albums with producer Dimmer Blackwell, exploring a mix of rock and blues.

Steve Watson’s career is a testament to the power of musical versatility. From the theme songs of classic TV shows to the hallowed halls of music academia and now into a new phase of creative freedom, his contributions to the world of guitar music are profound. Fans of jazz, session music, and 80s television alike can look forward to the new material emerging from this legendary guitarist in the wake of his 2023 retirement. His legacy as a studio powerhouse and dedicated educator continues to inspire musicians globally.