Most guitarists automatically join a band or dream to make their own album. But one of the best jazz guitarists of all time chose to use his talent in the movie business. Tim May’s guitar solos can be heard during some of your favorite TV shows or movies and on the legendary Back to the Future film.

Movies aren’t his only niche, however. May, a studio musician, has worked with the best in the music business as well. Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, Tom Jones and Janet Jackson are all names on the list of legendary musicians he’s collaborated with.

May explains what a studio musician actually is and how many times bands don’t play their instruments on their own records — that’s where May steps in.

One of May’s most well-known works of art came with his guitar solo during the Johnny B. Goode scene in the movie Back to the Future.

May talks with Growing Bolder about what it’s like being the best studio guitarist and how it feels to finally record his own solo album.