Lil Rev grew up in Milwaukee, WI where he still resides today. Growing up in the shadows of American Motors Corp, Briggs N Stratton, and A.O. Smith, he was inspired by the sights and sounds of an industrial powerhouse in flux. His music is infused with a strong sense of humility for the common man.His heroes include: Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Josh White, Sonny Terry, Cicso Houston and Leadbelly.

Lil Rev has stayed very busy over the years, writing over 8 instructional ukulele books for Hal Leonard, while touring North America extensively. 

He tours the east each fall and the south and west in the winter months, while also flying around North America to teach and perform at Ukulele Festivals.

While Lil Rev is well known for his ukulele and harmonica stylings, he is also a seasoned multi-instrumentalist equally adept at old time banjo, flat-pick guitar and blues mandolin.