Stigers was born in
Hollywood, California, but grew up in
Boise, Idaho. He started his music career as a teenager, playing in rock and blues bands, as well as receiving an education in clarinet and saxophone in high school in Boise. He acquired much of his motivation for pursuing jazz from jam sessions led by
Gene Harris at the Idanha Hotel. His song "Swingin' Down at Tenth and Main" is a tribute to those times with Harris. After graduation from high school, he moved to New York City, intending to become a rock musician. His song "
I Wonder Why" reached No. 5 on the
UK Singles Chart ==Discography==