As a teenager, Sulton got a very unexpected big break - a big break that would surely lead to bigger and better things for the aspiring musician. During this time, Sulton was being mentored and groomed into the music business by rock singer and poetess Cherry Vanilla, who just so happened to be the publicist for David Bowie, a rising star at the time. "That gig opened up a world of doors for me that never would have happened otherwise," said Sulton.

And truly indeed, that little gig with Cherry Vanilla led to opportunities, opportunities, and opportunities. Opportunities that paved the way for the establishment of friendships and connections with Michael Kaman (renowned musician in New York) and Todd Rundgren, something that can likely prove beneficial to any young music star. And once again it was all due to that little gig with Cherry Vanilla. "I never would have known Michael Kaman had Cherry Vanilla not introduced me to him."

And so, the career of Kasim Sulton took off. His first stop was in Utopia, the rock band that is, where he earned a spot as bass guitarist and vocalist. As a member of Utopia, Sulton was allowed the opportunity to expose his musical talents, which was evident in 1980, when he wrote and sang the band's only top 30 hit, "Set Me Free." This led to bigger and better opportunities for the young star, as he was selected to perform as a session musician on Meat Loaf's "Bat Out of Hell," perhaps one of the best-selling Rock albums of all time. (48 million copies to date.) His bass playing can be heard on all but one of the songs on the album.

After the success of the Meat Loaf album, Sulton performed and recorded with several stars throughout the 80's and early 90's. They include Mick Jagger, Bon Jovi, The Indigo Girls, Patty Smyth, Cheap Trick, Celine Dion, Meat Loaf, and Hall and Oates.

In 2000, Sulton teamed up with Todd Rundgren for what he called his 3-man Power Trio Tour. The tour spread across the United States and lasted throughout the summer. It included TV appearances on The Late Show With David Letterman, Late Night With Conan O'Brien, and The Late, Late Show With Craig Kilborn.

Kasim Sulton then, a young boy with only a dream of becoming a rock star. Kasim Sulton now, a man who is recognized and respected all over the world for his musical talents. A man who has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry. And the man who is fortunate to live the life that any young musician would desire to have.

Kasim admits that of all the big-name musicians he's worked with, he's been very fortunate to work with his good friend Todd Rundgren, for many obvious reasons. "He's been the biggest influence on my musical career. He taught me how to make a record and just write good lyrics. He has taught me so much in the music business," said Sulton.

Although he is one of the most in-demand artists in the business, Sulton still answers the call when asked to perform with other artists (of course, depending on the artist and scheduling); so don't be surprised to see him on stage rocking with Meat Loaf or singing backup vocals for Britney Spears, a young musician he'd like to work with. But until that time comes, you can find Sulton concentrating on his own music and finally giving it the time and dedication it truly deserves, or on the big screen, living another childhood dream of being an actor. His new album, Quid Pro Quo, is due out in August.

*Sulton will be performing in concert Saturday, June 29 at the Beau Rivage with Meat Loaf. Show time is 8 p.m. Tickets are $65.