Phillip Bauer began his career by winning a statewide Minnesota talent contest in 1985, finishing first out of more than 800 contestants at the Minnesota State Fair. In 1986, he returned to perform nightly with a 40-piece orchestra.

Phillip Bauer launched his career in 1985 after winning a statewide talent contest in Minnesota, taking first place over more than 800 contestants at the Minnesota State Fair. The following year, he was invited back to perform nightly at the fair with a 40-piece orchestra.

A singer-songwriter, Bauer has also had his original songs played on more than 300 country music stations across Europe. Throughout the 1990s, he performed in bands featuring his own music along with his impersonations of various artists.