Andrés Segovia was born in 1893 in Linares, Spain. He was one of the most important for the classical guitar in the beginning and mid 20th century. He is considered to be the father of the modern classical guitar movement by most modern scholars and without his efforts, the classical guitar would still be considered a lowly bar instrument, played only by peasants.

Segovia's quest to elevate the guitar to a prominent position in the music world, began at the early age of four. His uncle would sing songs to him and pretend to strum an imaginary guitar in his lap. There was a luthier nearby and Segovia took an instant liking to the guitar. He was discouraged by his family (according to them he should play a "real" instrument), but he continued to pursue his studies of the guitar. He would set a goal for the guitar and himself early in life and what goal was to bring Guitar studies to every university in the world, have the guitar played throughout the world, on every major stage, just as the piano and violin were, and lastly, to pass on his love of the guitar to generations to follow. He considered himself to be the messenger that would complete this impossible quest. He succeeded in all respects.

Andres Segovia made his first public appearance at the age of sixteen in Spain, with his professional debut at the age of twenty in Madrid. His original program included transcriptions from Tárrega, as well as his own transcriptions of Bach and others. Many musicians believed that Segovia would be laughed off of the stage, because the guitar could not play classical music as it was known as an accompanying instrument that could be played by anybody. In fact, Segovia astounded the audience, although his main only problem he had, was that the guitar could not produce enough sound to fill the hall. Over the coming years, Segovia would perfect his technique and push guitar makers to experiment with new woods and designs, that could increase the natural amplification of the guitar. With the advent of Nylon strings, the guitar could produce more consistent tones, while also being able to project the sound much farther.

Segovia’s quest to promote the guitar as a concert instrument lead him to America in 1928 for his first concert in New York. The audience was again overwhelmed by his technique and musicianship, and more dissenters were converted to the classical guitar. His rousing success in New York led to offers for more appearances in America and Europe, and a trip to the Orient in 1929. Segovia, and the classical guitar had arrived.

As he traveled the world, he and the guitar became more and more popular. Distinguished composers of the time like Heitor Villa-Lobos began composing original pieces specifically for the guitar. With their dark and melancholy mixture of dissonance and cello-like phrasing, Villa-Lobos' compositions in particular, seemed to fit the guitar perfectly. Segovia had also begun transposing the masterpieces for the guitar. In fact his transcription of Bach's Chaconne, has become one of the most famous and difficult pieces to master. His transcription makes the Chaconne seem as if Bach originally intended it to be played on the guitar instead of the violin. Segovia's repertoire was increasing, as was the guitar's. His goal was becoming a reality. All that was left was the third and final part of his mission - to pass on the legacy to a new generation.

Segovia has taught many students throughout his career who also had a big contribution to the classical guitar. Among his most famous are Christopher Parkening, John Williams, Elliot Fisk and Oscar Ghiglia. These students, along with the many others, carry on Segovia's tradition, while at the same time expanding the classical guitar's presence, repertoire, and musical boundaries.
Segovia not only taught students himself, he indirectly taught and influenced thousands and thousands of guitarists world wide and that truly makes him the father of the classical guitar.