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Gregory Abbott

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Gregory Abbott
Background information
Birth nameGregory Joel Abbott
Born (1954-04-02) April 2, 1954 (age 70)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • musician
  • composer
  • record producer
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • keyboard
  • piano
  • drums
Years active1982–present
Labels
Websitegregoryabbott.com
Musical artist

Gregory Joel Abbott (born April 2, 1954) is a legendary American singer, musician, composer and producer. Although he continues to record to date, he is best known for his singles in the mid-1980s including his platinum single, "Shake You Down", from his 1986 debut album.

Biography

Early life

Abbott was born in Harlem, New York. Abbott's parents were from Venezuela and Antigua. During his early years, Abbott's mother taught him how to play piano and encouraged him to develop vocally. Before his career as a musician, Abbott studied psychology at University of California, Berkeley, and creative writing at Stanford; where he won a Wallace Stegner fellowship. Abbott taught English at University of California, Berkeley.

Teaching career

Abbott was a professor of English.

Music career

One of Abbott's first opportunities in his studio was an album for an independent record label, which gave him the opportunity to do a duet with Whitney Houston. Continuing on, Abbott produced for the group EQ on Atlantic Records. In 1986, Abbott released his first solo album, Shake You Down. The title track for the album was a success, going platinum and topping the Billboard Hot 100. The album's second single, "I Got The Feelin' (It's Over)", reached Number 5 on the R&B chart. With the strength of its singles, the album propelled to platinum status and earned Abbott several awards.

Internationally, Abbott has had success, winning first prize at the Tokyo Music Festival. The title track of his second album, "I'll Prove It To You" which was released in 1988, was featured on a Japanese movie soundtrack. In Belgium, he performed with Princess Stephanie of Monaco. Over the years much of his new music has been released via singles on his own Mojo Man Entertainment label. Abbott has continued with his R&B sound but, in addition, he has added a Caribbean/Soul feel as well. Gregory Abbott has never believed in looking at his music through the prism of "genre". "I am an explorer", he says. And indeed, his music reflects many styles: R&B, reggae, smooth jazz, and soul. This variety of expression resonates deeply with his fans throughout the world. In 2011, an album entitled Drop Your Mask was released; and Abbott continues to release new singles a few times a year.

Personal life

Abbott was married to American singer Freda Payne from 1976 until 1979. Payne and Abbott's son, Gregory Abbott, Jr., was born on September 19, 1977, Payne's 35th birthday.

Discography

Albums

  • 1986 – Shake You Down (Columbia Records)
  • 1988 – I'll Prove It to You (Columbia Records)
  • 1996 – One World! (Musik International)
  • 1998 – Super Hits (Legacy Recordings)
  • 2002 – Eyes, Whispers, Rhythm, Sex... (Musik International)
  • 2005 – Dancing the Inner Realm... (Musik International-Mojo Man)
  • 2006 – Rhyme and Reason
  • 2011 – Anniversary Edition of "Shake You Down" (Friday Music)
  • 2012 – "Drop Your Mask"

Singles

Major singles

Year Single Chart Positions
US
R&B 		UK US
1986 "Shake You Down" 1 6 1
"I Got The Feelin' (It's Over)" 5 – 56
1988 "I'll Prove It To You" 5 – –

Other singles

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (July 2021)
  • 1988 – "I'll Prove It To You"
  • 1988 – "Let Me Be Your Hero"
  • 1994 – "Handyman"
  • 1994 – "Do The Caribbean"
  • 2002 – "Sexual"
  • 2003 – "Three Little Birds" Duet with Phoebe Snow
  • 2007 – "Middle of Harlem"
  • 2007 – "Shake You Down" (Re-Make)
  • 2009 – "Baby Mama"
  • 2011 – "Soul Food"
  • 2011 – "Eyes"
  • 2012 – "Island Woman"
  • 2012 – "Sugar Sugar"
  • 2013 – "Rock You Gently"
  • 2014 – "Every Little Step"
  • 2014 – "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
  • 2015 – "How Deep Is Your Love"
  • 2015 – "Stir It Up"
  • 2016 – "When Something is Wrong With My Baby"
  • 2017 – "Deja Vu"
  • 2017 – "On and On"
  • 2018 – "Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)"
  • 2019 – "My Heart Has Found a Home"
  • 2020 – "Searchin' 4 the 1"
  • 2020 – "Haven't We Seen Enough?"
  • 2020 – "Chill" (featuring Gerald Albright)
  • 2021 – "Summer in the City"

References

  1. "Biography". Gregoryabbott.com. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  2. ^ Colin Larkin, ed. (2003). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Eighties Music (Third ed.). Virgin Books. pp. 8/9. ISBN 1-85227-969-9.
  3. Jet, 15 February 1979 – p. 52, Mr. & Mrs. Freda Payne Sues For Divorce; Asks $1 A Month Alimony
  4. "About Gregorny Abbott". Mtv.com.
  5. "Singer Gregory Abbott Biography". Gregoryabbott.com. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  6. Canyon News, April 18, 2015 – Gregory Abbott, A Singing Force By Michael
  7. "Freda Payne Discography at Discogs". Discogs.com. April 14, 2014. Retrieved July 29, 2014.
  8. Guinness British Hit Singles (13th ed.), London, UK: Guinness World Records Ltd, 2000, p. 69, ISBN 0-85112-111-X

External links

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