Greg Phillinganes is a Grammy Award-winning American keyboardist, arranger, composer, and musical director. He is best known for his work with some of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Lionel Richie, and many more.
Born Gregory Arthur Phillinganes in Detroit, Michigan on May 12, 1956, Greg was raised in an exceptionally musical family. His father was a choir director and his mother was a classically-trained pianist, so music was a huge part of his life from the very beginning. He began playing the piano at age five and by age eleven was playing in his father's church band.
At age sixteen, Greg was offered his first professional gig as a keyboardist in a band called the Funk Brothers. He soon after joined a group called the Crusaders, for whom he played keyboards, synthesizers, and clavinet. During this time, he also began working with jazz and soul artists like Donald Byrd, Boz Scaggs, and Billy Cobham.
In the late 1970s, Greg was invited to join Stevie Wonder's band, where he quickly became a vital part of the group. He spent the next decade touring and recording with Wonder, as well as working with other artists such as Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson. In 1984, he was musical director for Jackson's landmark Victory Tour.
In the 1990s, Greg continued to be in demand as a sought-after session musician, as well as a touring musician with artists such as Eric Clapton, Lionel Richie, and David Foster. He also appeared on a number of film soundtracks, including The Color Purple and The Bodyguard.
In 2003, Greg received a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for his work on the album, The Look of Love, by Diana Krall. He has also been nominated for three more Grammys for his work with various artists.
Greg's influence on modern music is undeniable. In addition to his work as a musician, he has also been credited as an arranger and musical director for many of the most popular and successful artists of the last few decades. His work continues to be praised and celebrated, and his influence can be heard in the music of many today's artists.
