Originally from the Chicago area, Emerson Swinford is a Los Angeles-based guitarist, composer/songwriter and producer.
He is currently a touring and studio guitarist for Sir Rod Stewart. His songwriting and guitar work can be heard on the 2021 album release by Stewart, called The Tears of Hercules, the 2018 release Blood Red Roses, the 2015 release Another Country and 2013's Time. Blood Red Roses and Time both went to number 1 on the UK Albums Chart. Another Country has since reached Platinum sales and Time has achieved Double Platinum sales status there. Time also went to number 7 on the US Billboard chart. Emerson has numerous song writing credits with Rod Stewart.
Emerson was also the musical director and touring guitarist for Tony award-winning actress and singer Idina Menzel, famous for her roles in Disney's Frozen, Broadway's Wicked, Rent and the TV show "Glee."
Emerson composed the theme and under-score music for the hit comedy Hot in Cleveland, staring Betty White and Valerie Bertinelli. For his work on Hot In Cleveland, he was awarded 2011, 2012 and 2014 ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards. Emerson also co-wrote the theme and under-score music on the TV Land network comedy series The Soul Man (TV series) and Retired at 35. Additionally he has had many TV and film song placements including songs on MTV/"The Hills", "Pimp My Ride", " The Ghost Whisperer", and "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." Emerson was also a co-writer of the hit single "Barenaked" for actress and singer Jennifer Love Hewitt.
As a session guitarist, Emerson has recorded with a diverse roster of artists such as Rod Stewart, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Delerium, Paul Oakenfold, Liz Phair, Jim McGorman, P.J. Olsson, Fisher (band), Kimberly Locke, Natalie Cole, Kenny G, Robbie Nevil, Dianne Warren and many others, as well as performing on the soundtracks for the movies Just Like Heaven, Planet of the Apes (2001) and "Power Rangers." His guitar work is also featured on several national TV commercial spots including "St. Ives" and "Coors Light."