Peter Case, born in Buffalo, New York, is a versatile musician and songwriter known for his contributions to punk rock, new wave, and solo acoustic music. He began his musical journey in the local bar scene as a teenager and dropped out of high school at fifteen, later earning a GED. After traveling, he settled in San Francisco in 1973, performing as a street musician. His early career was captured in the documentary "Nightshift" by Bert Deivert.

In 1976, Case formed the new wave band The Nerves with Jack Lee and Paul Collins. The Nerves' song "Hanging on the Telephone" gained fame when covered by Blondie. After the band's disbandment, Case moved to Los Angeles and formed The Plimsouls in 1979. The Plimsouls achieved success with hits like "A Million Miles Away," featured in the movie "Valley Girl."

Case embarked on a solo career with his self-titled album in 1986, produced by T-Bone Burnett and Mitchell Froom. The album featured collaborations with notable musicians and earned a Grammy nomination for the song "Old Blue Car." His subsequent albums, including "The Man With the Blue Post-Modern Fragmented Neo-Traditionalist Guitar," were critically acclaimed, with artists like Bruce Springsteen expressing admiration.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Case continued to release solo albums, moving towards an acoustic sound. His work included collaborations with musicians like David Hidalgo and Ry Cooder. Case also curated musical programs and organized tribute albums, showcasing his deep involvement in musicology.

In recent years, Case released "Doctor Moan," an album inspired by blues, jazz, and folk, featuring piano-driven tracks. This departure from his guitar-centric work reflects his evolving musical exploration. Case remains an influential figure in the music scene, known for his empathetic perspective and commitment to artistic growth.