Second Cup Cafe: Bruce Hornsby

Bruce Hornsby entered the music scene back in 1986 with his Grammy-Award-winning album, "The Way It Is," and went on to become one of America's most versatile musicians.

This time around, the singer/songwriter/pianist isn't sticking to one specific genre.

On his new album, "Levitate," Hornsby ventures off into uncharted territory for him: He takes the focus off of his impressive piano solos and places it on his songwriting.

Hornsby couldn't take this creative leap without the help of fellow musicians, including the legendary Eric Clapton, who is featured on the album's guest track.

"Levitate" is a tribute to Hornsby's late nephew, R.S. Hornsby, who often performed with him as a guest guitarist. He was killed in a car accident just six days after recording a memorable solo on "Continents Drift."

Hornsby stopped by "The Early Show Saturday Edition"'s "Second Cup Cafe" to perform "In The Low Country" off his new album, "Levitate," and the holiday classic, "O Come All Ye Faithful."

The thirteen-time Grammy nominee won Grammys for Best New Artist (1987), Best Bluegrass recording (1989) and Best Pop Instrumental (1993).

Hornsby's music resume also includes a part-time gig with the Grateful Dead from September 1990 to March 1992, during which he performed for over 100 concerts in America and Europe. He has performed in four Dead albums.

Known as a collaborator in the music biz, it seems as though Hornsby hasn't missed a beat throughout his successful career.

Hornsby has played on over 100 records, including albums by Bob Dylan, Don Henley, the Grateful Dead, Bob Seger, Crosby Stills and Nash, Stevie Nicks, Cowboy Junkies, Squeeze, Liquid Jesus, Bonnie Raitt (piano on the classic "I Can't Make You Love Me"), Shawn Colvin, Bela Fleck, Clint Black, Ricky Skaggs, Randy Scruggs, Willie Nelson, and end-title songs for two Spike Lee movies, Clockers (with Chaka Khan), and Bamboozled.