"The Steel Guitar Guy"
Freeman Arthur is an American musician originally from Ripley, Tennessee, where he grew up on a family farm along the banks of the Mississippi River. Surrounded by the rhythms of nature and the harvest of soybeans and watermelons, he first connected deeply with music. At age nine, he convinced his father to give him piano lessons—an early spark in a lifelong calling.
In 2015, Freeman moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Music Business. It was there that he discovered—and fell in love with—the pedal steel guitar. In 2016, his best friend and mentor surprised him with a 1970s Sho-Bud LDG, and he dove headfirst into learning the instrument’s uniquely expressive voice.
By 2022, Freeman Arthur had become one of the most widely recognized pedal steel guitarists in the world, earning millions upon millions of views through his online presence. His deep appreciation for the instrument, paired with a relentless drive to grow and experiment, has made him a standout voice in both traditional country and emerging genres.
Today, Freeman is regarded as one of the most influential steel guitarists of his generation. His playing has been featured on multiple Billboard #1 songs, cementing his reputation as both a session musician and an innovator. Known for blending tradition with modern creativity, he has become one of the most visible steel players online, where his performances inspire and reach millions worldwide.
As a Nashville-based session musician, Freeman has recorded with notable artists across country, rock, pop, Tejano, and Regional Mexican music. His credits include collaborations with Memo Garza, Pepe Aguilar, Jacqie Rivera, Lupillo Rivera, Siggno, and more. In 2024, he played pedal steel on Pepe Aguilar’s “Mira Quién Lo Dice”—a track that soared to #1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart, becoming Freeman’s first Billboard #1. Soon after, he appeared on Intocable’s “Me Gusta Mi Vida,” which also reached #1 on the same chart giving the group their 21st number one song. These back-to-back hits marked a defining moment in his career, bridging musical cultures and shining a spotlight on the pedal steel guitar in genres where it is rarely heard, all while staying rooted in his love for traditional country.
Freeman is also passionate about passing on the steel guitar legacy. Through his online courses, he teaches students around the world—from beginners to intermediate players—offering a clear and honest approach to learning one of music’s most emotionally rich instruments.
He lives near Nashville, collaborating with respected names in the industry while maintaining a strong social media presence. When he’s not playing or teaching, he’s traveling with his wife Amanda, who often joins him in his videos. Together, they’ve explored nearly all 50 U.S. states and multiple foreign countries, blending music, culture, and storytelling into a shared creative life.