Virtuoso guitarist Joe "Satch" Satriani (1956–) was born on this day in Westbury, New York. Inspired by the death of Jimi Hendrix, Satriani played the guitar with passion as a teen.

Working as a gardener and bricklayer, Satriani began teaching guitar to earn money, mentoring many accomplished artists including Steve Vai and Metallica's Kirk Hammett. He released his first album, Not of This Earth (1986), baring his spirited style of jazz rock with distortion.

“I'm just inspired by everyday life,” Satriani once said. “I find it very wondrous. There is so much to reflect upon, to write about, to dream about, and to hope for.”

A wizard with speed and guitar techniques, his highly regarded albums include Surfing With the Alien (1987), The Extremist (1992), and Time Machine (1993).

In keeping the music alive for others, Satriani has created his own line of Ibanez guitars and formed G3, a touring group to showcase the synergistic talents of guitarists Vai, Eric Johnson, John Petrucci, and other greats.

“My ultimate goal is to continue playing forever,” he said. “I hope to always be searching to express the life I lead by taking those experiences and turning them into music. Hopefully, the guitar will be my ongoing instrument of expression.”

Joe Satriani plays like the universe is humming through his fingers—pure energy turned to sound, emotion turned to motion. His guitar speaks even when there are no words.