Mannheim Steamroller began as the pseudonym for composer Chip Davis and his collaborator Jackson Berkey who produced a series of albums (Fresh Aire 1-4) exploring the four seasons from 1975 to 1981. Musically, it was a blend of classical, new-age, baroque, light jazz and rock.

Mannheim Steamroller found their greatest success from 1984-1987 with the release of their Christmas albums.

They have collaborated with Olivia Newton-John, Disney, and PBS and released two albums of Halloween music.