Whether on stage as a noted musician or behind the board in the recording studio, Charles “Greggie G” Gregory has made his presence felt on the Cayman music scene over the years.
He started his musical career way back in 1964, but as a musician he really made his mark in the late 70s with Memory of Justice – a group which included two of his original band mates from 1964 – Lammie Seymour and Allan ‘Tabio’ Myles, as well as Henry Leslie and Jah Mitch, who were later replaced by Johnathan Ebanks and Gary Ebanks.
The band that recorded and released seven albums, with the first two albums, Right on Time and Me and My Crew, gaining the most success. The song Me and My Crew went to number one for eight weeks and Power went to number two on the Caribbean charts.
These days, Charles is better known for his work with Hopscotch Studios, which he founded some 15 years ago, and over the years has built up into one of the premier recording facilities in the Caribbean.
He has worked with many artists in one capacity or another over the years including Brian McKnight, Tony Bennett, Third World, Steel Pulse, Morgan Heritage, Bob James, Chaka Khan and Roberta Flack. Most notable is his studio work at Hopscotch Studios with Country superstars Rascal Flatts whose album has just sold over twelve million copies.
However, not content with just building his own company, Charles has also started working to help a new generation get a foot in the door when it comes to working in the music industry. He has donated equipment including a 52 channel mixing board to the music programme at John Gray High School and hopes that his can help build Cayman’s music industry.
“There are so many youngsters coming up now who need direction and discipline to make something of their lives,” says Charles. “I feel there must be at least one who has musical talent and could make it in the business.” WH