Music
Greg Phillinganes
born 1956 · keyboardist, singer, arranger
Detroit-born keyboard ace who went from classical lessons with a Detroit Symphony pianist to Stevie Wonder's band and musical director for Michael Jackson.
- Born
Detroit, Michigan
age 70- Birth name
- Gregory Arthur Phillinganes
- Detroit years
- 1956–mid-1970s
- Field
- Music
01 / The Detroit story
The Detroit story
Greg Phillinganes was born in Detroit into a musical home; his father was a professional violinist and his mother came from Tobago. He took piano lessons from two teachers before studying with Misha Kotler, a pianist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, who gave him the classical discipline and technique that underpin his playing. Still a teenager, he was hired by Stevie Wonder, and he went on to become one of the most in-demand session and touring keyboardists in popular music. He played on landmark albums, served as musical director for Michael Jackson's tours, and toured with Eric Clapton, David Gilmour and Toto, of which he was briefly a member. He has also released solo albums, including Significant Gains (1981) and Pulse (1984).
Highlights
- Joined Stevie Wonder's band as a teenager
- Musical director for Michael Jackson
- Toured with Eric Clapton, David Gilmour and Toto
- Solo albums Significant Gains (1981) and Pulse (1984)