Gregory Williams

Biography

"Music Has Always Been My Life" From his early years of being a solo vocalist in his kindergarten Christmas program and acting in various school plays, to becoming the trumpet blowing leader of his first band at age nine, Gregory Williams was destined to have a bright future. Gregory’s real growth in music began as a teenager while playing trumpet and singing with many different vocal groups, top forty, and jazz bands throughout the Midwest.
Greatness defined him with successful years in various esteemed positions as the founder/leader of former Motown Recording group "SWITCH", West Coast Coordinator/Editor of Sisters InStyle Magazine, and President/CEO of Switch Entertainment, LLC. "I knew and professed that I would be a musician/entertainer at age seven and I have been blessed to live out my dream!"
Gregory has lived through career transitions in every aspect of music and entertainment (including singer, musician, artist, songwriter, producer, record executive, artist manager, magazine writer, editor, columnist and entrepreneur). His life demonstrates the true epitome of passion, hard work and commitment at its best.

Recording Career

While being a member of various bands in the Western Michigan area, Gregory joined TNT Flashers, who soon after joining became "White Heat". Managed by Soul Unlimited Productions, a company owned and headed by legendary singer Barry White, they soon had a deal with RCA Records. The group recorded and released one album but soon after was dropped by the label and Barry White’s company, opening the door for Gregory to form Switch. Within a year they secured a deal with Motown Records.

During the Motown years (1977-1983) Switch, acquired two Platinum Albums - Switch and Switch II; and three Gold Albums "Switch", "Switch II" and "This Is My Dream". As founder and leader of Switch, Gregory also served as a Producer, Writer, Arranger, Musician, and Vocalist on Six Albums while "There'll Never Be", "I Call Your Name" and "Love Me Over and Over Again" all became Top 40 Singles for the multi-platinum selling artist.

In 1983, three members of Switch went in different directions. Upon leaving Motown, the remaining three (Gregory, Jody Sims, and Eddie Fluellen) signed with Total Experience Records where they recorded one album before leaving the label and disbanding Switch altogether. Gregory moved on to do a brief stint as a keyboard player for Arista recording artist GQ. He also created GWM Productions, under which he produced artists for Sugar Hill Records, and Jive Records among others. While keeping the music alive, he accepted a position as Vice President of A&R for Tavdash Records/Jive Records (1987-1991).

Over the next nine years, Gregory spread his wings to include work as a contributor to Right On! Magazine and ultimately accepted the role of “West Coast Coordinator” of Right On! Magazine Group’s newest magazine offshoot Sisters in Style (1993 - 2002). Gregory performed duties which included Freelance Writer, Interviewer, Feature Editor, Fashion Photo Shoot Coordinator, Stylist, and even Advice Columnist "ASK A MAN".

Greg’s undeniable talent and accomplishments have warranted him many awards and recognition including ASCAP’s Top 100 R&B Songwriters for 1979 and 1980; Gold and Platinum Album Awards as artist/producer/writer for Switch and Switch II; Gold Album Awards for Best of Switch; Multi-Platinum Album Awards (more than 15 million records sold to date) for Boyz II Men II; two ASCAP “Rhythm and Soul Music Awards” for top Hip-Hop/Rap Writers and top Hip-Hop/Rap Music Publisher.

Greg’s musical successes also include writing, arranging, playing, and producing hit records on top recording acts including Boyz II Men, El DeBarge, Groove Theory, TLC, and many others. His music accomplishments also include work in TV, movies, and jingles, as well as hit records by R&B artist Ne-Yo (It Just Ain’t Right) and rap artist Rich Boy (‘Throw Some Dees” w/ hit remixes by, Kanye West, TI, Nelly, Andre 3000 and OutKast among others) who both have hit songs sampled from Switch’s hit “I Call Your Name”.

Author/Speaker

In 2019 Greg released his much-anticipated autobiography, Switch, Debarge, Motown, and Me which describes his colorful musical journey in candid detail. It shares the quest of following one’s dreams and how it can sometimes take an abysmal dive; but perseverance and tenacity can eventually right the wrongs.

He also has taken all aspects of his music experience, knowledge, and wisdom and established a workshop. A Music Encounter with Gregory Williams combines Gregory’s signature comedic wit with an interactive experience that covers topics like becoming an artist, perfecting your craft, contract negotiation, management and much more.