Gregory Abbott

Gregory Joel Abbott (born April 2, 1954) is an American singer, musician, composer and producer. Although he continues to record to date, Abbott 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

Born Gregory Joel Abbott in New York City, New York, Abbott's parents came 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 musician, Abbott studied psychology at University of California, Berkeley, graduating in 1975 and creative writing at Stanford; where he won a Wallace Stegner fellowship. Abbott taught English at University of California, Berkeley.

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)" which 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 carried much 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. In 2011, an album entitled "Drop Your Mask" was released; and Abbott continues to release new singles two to four times a year.

Personal life

Abbott has been married once. In December 1976, Abbott then 22 years old married American singer Freda Payne, who was 34 years old at the time in a ceremony in Chicago. Abbott and Payne had a son, Gregory Joel Abbott, Jr born September 19, 1977; which was Payne's 35th birthday. Abbott and Payne divorced in August 1979.Abbott is a dual citizen of the United States and Antigua.

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

Other Singles

• 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"