Gregory Joel Abbott is an American singer, musician, composer, and producer. He is best known for his hits of the mid-1980s, particularly the platinum single “Shake You Down” from his 1986 debut album.
Gregory Abbott Biography
Gregory Joel Abbott was born on April 2, 1954, in Harlem, New York City. He has a diverse background, with a Venezuelan mother and an Antiguan father, which influenced his musical style. His mother taught him to play piano and encouraged his singing from a young age.
Before becoming a musician, Abbott studied psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and creative writing at Stanford, where he won a Wallace Stegner fellowship. He also taught English at UC Berkeley.
Growing up in a bilingual household, Abbott was exposed to many different types of music, which helped him develop a love for rhythm and melody.
In 1976, he married singer Freda Payne, and they had a son, Gregory Abbott Jr., born in 1977. However, the couple divorced in 1979.
Career Highlights of Gregory Joel Abbott
Early Career:
- Abbott’s first major opportunity came when he worked on an album for an independent label, which allowed him to do a duet with Whitney Houston.
- He later produced for the group EQ on Atlantic Records.
1986:
- Released his first solo album, Shake You Down.
- The title track became a huge hit, going platinum and reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
- The second single, “I Got the Feelin’ (It’s Over)”, reached number 5 on the R&B chart.
- The album achieved platinum status and earned Abbott several awards.
International Success:
- Abbott won first prize at the Tokyo Music Festival.
- The title track from his second album, I’ll Prove It to You (1988), was featured on a Japanese movie soundtrack.
- He performed with Princess Stephanie of Monaco in Belgium.
1996:
- Released One World!, which incorporated Caribbean influences into his usual R&B style.
2011:
- Released an album titled Drop Your Mask.
Recent Years:
- Abbott continues to release new music, including the smooth jazz single “Chill” featuring saxophonist Gerald Albright.
- Much of his recent work has been released under his own label, Mojo Man Entertainment.
Interesting Facts about Gregory Joel Abbott
- Abbott holds dual citizenship in the United States and Antigua, thanks to his father’s background.
- Before becoming famous as a musician, Abbott worked as an English professor, showcasing his wide range of skills and interests.
- He performed with Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, which shows his international fame and recognition.
- Abbott’s music blends smooth R&B with Caribbean rhythms, influenced by his multicultural background.
- He won several awards for his hit song “Shake You Down”, including platinum status.
- Abbott is also known for his collaborations with other famous artists like Whitney Houston and saxophonist Gerald Albright.
- Despite starting his career in the 1980s, he remains active in the music industry and continues to release new music through his own label, Mojo Man Entertainment.
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