Steve Benbow (November 29, 1931 – November 17, 2006) was a prominent guitar accompanist and singer during the early years of the modern British folk revival. Over his career, he released more than 25 albums and collaborated with notable figures such as Ewan MacColl and A.L. Lloyd, who were foundational to the folk revival movement.

Benbow was a significant influence on younger musicians. Davy Graham, renowned for his distinctive guitar style that impacted artists like Eric Clapton and Paul Simon, acknowledged Benbow as a key inspiration. He introduced Graham to Moroccan music during their time together in the military, emphasizing the importance of exploring diverse musical styles. Graham remarked to the Guardian, "What he taught me was that you should never get stuck in one mode or style."

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Benbow did not strictly align himself with the various sub-genres of the folk revival. He did not identify as a traditionalist nor as an advocate for left-wing causes; instead, he focused on being an entertainer who performed an eclectic mix of music, ranging from blues and jazz to popular English and Irish folk songs. As he aimed for a more accessible listening experience, his repertoire began to diverge from the tastes of the more discerning folk music audience, making it challenging for him to reconnect with them.

Benbow's influence extended to a broader audience through his appearances on radio and television. He began with the radio program Guitar Club in 1957, which showcased his talents. His guitar skills led to a Scottish television series, Plectrum, where he inspired aspiring musicians. In the early 1960s, he became the only folk singer to host his own show, Have Guitar Will Travel, on Radio Luxembourg. In 1963, he co-starred in the London stage show Spike Milligan Meets Steve Benbow at the old Lyric Theatre, which transitioned into a television series, Muses with Milligan, the following year. Additionally, he hosted the television series Barndance and briefly presented BBC Radio's Housewives' Choice. George Martin produced a series of novelty singles for him, and he contributed a regular column to Melody Maker.

Before forming the Steve Benbow Folk Four, which included Jimmie MacGregor—who later teamed with Robin Hall for regular performances on Cliff Michelmore's television program Tonight—Benbow recorded two solo albums. In 1960, he collaborated with artists such as Shirley Collins and Bob Copper on three albums produced by Peter Kennedy of the English Folk Dance and Song Society for HMV: A Jug of Punch, Rocket Along, and A Pinch of Salt. This collaboration led to the release of two of his most recognizable albums: Steve Benbow Sings Admiral Benbow in 1962 and I Travel the World in 1963. Throughout the 1960s, he continued to record, although he often struggled to find labels that effectively promoted his work. After releasing several more albums in the early 1970s, including one with his longtime friend Denny Wright, who had been Lonnie Donegan's guitarist, Benbow largely stepped back from performing.

Despite his retirement from the spotlight, Benbow maintained his love for music, performing twice a week at the Brewery Tap in Brentford from 1988 onward. In 2003, he released a new recording titled Don't Monkey With My Gun, although he was hesitant to travel for performances due to his extensive collection of animals, which included goats, chickens, and a donkey. In his later years, he faced heart problems, which prevented him from sharing a London concert with Davy Graham in 2005.

Steve Benbow passed away from a heart attack at the age of 74 on November 17, 2006.