Guitarist / vocalist from Timonium. Steve played folk music throughout the local coffeehouse circuit. In 1964 he worked in a duo with vocalist Martha Bray, and sometimes worked with jazz bassist Tom Walkiewicz, Steve and Martha were part of The Westbury Trio and released a self-titled album in 1965.
From 1965-69 Steve played almost every weekend as a solo performer, opening act, occasional featured performer, or as accompanist for Patches & Liz at the 15 Below in Timonium. He also played at Coffeegrounds on Roland Avenue, Foghorn Folklore Center (which became the Crack of Doom), and other clubs.
For a short while Askins was a member of the Timber Ridge Singers who fashioned themselves loosely after the New Christy Minstrels.
Steve did some recordings with Steve Forest under the direction of engineer George Massenburg. An album titled “Forest” (Forest 2506) was released in 1967.
Under direction of Patches, Steve recorded the instrumental “A Christmas Trilogy” that was released in 1967 as a split single with Lizanne Murray (Jarrett Enterprises RI2513).
In the early ‘70s Askins played gigs at the Theater Project that was run by Phil Arnoult. In 1974 he teamed up with Cilla Shaw and toured, finally relocating to Denver in the late ‘70s. Steve and Cilla did some recording and touring with singer / songwriter Bill Haymes who went on to a successful career in Nashville. Askins appears on the album “Bill Haymes” (Resist 6340), recorded at Sheffield Studios.
Steve released a CD in 1998 “Listen to my Heart.” As of this writing he continues to earn a living as a jobbing musician in the Chicago area.
