Sterling grew up in Columbus, Ohio and majored in harpsichord at Ohio State University. He has recorded and toured with The Beach Boys, Randy Meisner, and Jan & Dean. He has recorded with Bob Dylan, Lisa Hartman, Barry Manilow, Terry Reid, and collaborated on an album with Arthur Brown. He was Musical Director and on-stage pianist on Twyla Tharp & Mikhail Baryshnikov's "Cutting Up" dance tour. Two albums of original "progressive rock" music by Sterling's Ohio band in the 70's, "The Load" are currently out on Compact Disc.