Gavin Christopher

As told to us by Gavin Christopher

I was born in Chicago where i started out playing music at a very early age.where i came to the attention of a Mr Lawrence Simmons who took me to my first major audition for a show by Oscar Brown, Jr. After being schooled by the likes of Oscar Brown, Jr., Donny Hathaway and later on Curtis Mayfield, I honed my writing and singing skills and set out on my musical journey.

I later hooked up with Chaka Khan in a band called "lyfe" that we started. Chaka then left and joined a band called "Rufus." At that point, I was in another band called "High Voltage" with Bobby Watson, Tony Maiden and Lalomie Washburn, who later joined Rufus with Chaka. I had written some songs which were recorded by Rufus, including "Dance Wit Me, " "Fool’s Paradise" and "Once You Get Started," and they instantly became their biggest hits. I also wrote "Have a Good Time," which was recently sampled by Missy Elliot in a song called "It’s Real."

I decided it was time to leave Chicago and moved to Los Angeles, where I was signed to my first deal with Island Records. I later moved back to Chicago to record and work with Curtis Mayfield on the Curtom/RSO Label. Then I got a call from Herbie Hancock to write and sing for his projects. I wrote and sang several songs on several albums with Herbie Hancock and penned the classic "Stars in Your Eyes." 

Following a move to New York, I signed with EMI Manhattan, and had a couple of singles, "One Step Closer to You" and "You are Who You Love." I also produced various artists, such as Grandmaster Flash (who was just inducted into the ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME), Afrika Bambatta and the Ritchie Family. I was heavily involved in the early Hip-Hop scene, writing such hits as "Girls Love the Way He Spins," "Sign of the Time," "We Gonna Rock America" and "All Night All Right."

I am currently living in Los Angeles and working on several projects with Lee Curreri, Craig Williams, Steve Harvey and Quincy Jones.

Video

Never miss any important news. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Album of the Month

Various Artists

80s Soul Classics, Vol. 8

Choice Cut

Walter Beasley

"Come Live With Me"

Choice Cut

Paul Anthony

"Ready to Learn Your Love"

Choice Cut

Heidi Tann feat. Kinsman Dazz Band

"Island Summer"

Never miss any important news. Subscribe to our newsletter.