……exclusive interview
Exclusive interview on RnB Junkie CHECK IT OUT!
Award-winning Singer, Songwriter and Producer Gregory Abbott who is best known for his #1 Platinum selling debut single “Shake You Down” has been a regular fixture to music for over 30 years from chart-topping hits, writing for artists and releasing new music including his latest single “On & On”. I caught up with Gregory Abbott to discuss his music, how he’s evolved, what’s next and much more…
Terrance: First talk a little about your earliest musical beginning and when did it all come together.
Gregory Abbott: An important part of my formative years were the piano lessons which my mother gave me. She wasn’t a professional musician, but she played very well and made sure there was always a variety of music around the household. My father, who is from the West Indies contributed his love of Caribbean music with it’s charming story lines and rhythms. In college and Graduate school, I learned how to play the guitar; and that’s when I really began writing songs. I played in a variety of Latin and R&B bands and began to see that music could be more than just a hobby and that you could actually make a living doing it.
Terrance: Awesome. When you heard your debut single “Shake You Down” on the radio for the first time, where were you and your reaction to it?
Gregory Abbott: I don’t remember exactly the first time; but I do remember one incident when it came on the radio while I was riding into Manhattan on the Staten Island Ferry. When the DJ mentioned my name, my fellow travelers who knew me, gave me a standing ovation. It was quite a ride. As we passed Ellis Island (and the Statue of Liberty of course) I was thinking of my father who came here as an immigrant and I felt such pride. When the boat docked, he was the first person I called.
Terrance: Creatively and musically speaking how have you grown in the past 30 years?
Gregory Abbott: Over time I’ve begun to employ more complex chords and rhythms. Also I’ve begun to explore other subject matter (not exclusively love relationships). I’ve come to see that there are many issues that impact people’s lives that deserve representation in song.
Terrance: As music has evolved technologically, do you feel it has gotten better or worse in the way that it’s consumed by the public in contrast to when you first started in the business?
Gregory Abbott: There’s no doubt that music is both created and consumed differently than when I first began. Much of that is beneficial…. if you can adjust to the changes that have taken place and reformulate your game plan. The advancement in technology has given the musician unparalleled freedom and control in creating music. We can do things today that was just unthinkable 15 years ago. On the consumer end; we songwriters concentrate more on streaming and downloads and licensing to film and television etc. While the monetization isn’t perfect yet, it is constantly getting better and more fair to the songwriter and artist.
Terrance: Talk about the creative process behind your latest single “On & On”.
Gregory Abbott: “On and On” is a song written by 70’s folk singer Stephen Bishop which always had a warm place in my heart. And, since I don’t typically do covers, I thought I’d try this one out for size. I hold an Antiguan passport (I’m a dual citizen); and Caribbean rhythms and themes have always permeated my music. I love the theme of the song and the first line which goes: “Down in Jamaica they’ve got lots of pretty women”….”. So…. after that first line I was hooked. I must admit I did change the second line which originally read: “steal your money then they break your heart”. That was never my experience so I changed it to: “Oooh they’re so sexy they’ll just break your heart” (laughs). It’s a good solid song about persistence and the value of never giving up yet rolling with the flow of life. A message which I think can really be heard during these challenging times.
Terrance: Which do you ultimately prefer – Recording studio or stage performance?
Gregory Abbott: They each offer a different reward. It’s always exciting to work with other musicians and background singers on stage and entice the audience to become part of the music and therefore part of the creation of the nights fun. It’s wonderful to see the effect your music has on bodies…..faces etc. Creating in the studio is fulfilling in another way. It’s not as relaxing because you’re trying to “get it right” and you’re aware of the importance of doing so. But that challenge has always been very attractive to me. And when you DO get it right it’s MAGIC.
Terrance: If there’s one thing you could go back and tell your younger self starting out in the business, what would it be?
Gregory Abbott: Excellent question! Actually, I was told some things very early on that have served me so well that I would simply re-tell my younger self these very things. Three of them which I can share are 1. Practice, practice, practice, and perfect your craft. Learn everything you can about it. 2. Learn the business side of the music industry BEFORE you stick your toe in the water. Set up the right structure for yourself in which to operate. 3. Check your motivations. Be in it for the joy and passion of doing the work and not just for the money because that is what will sustain you over time.
Terrance: What are your hidden talents outside of music that the world aren’t aware of?
Gregory Abbott: Well… people may not know this, but actually I’m a closet nerd. Before I got into music as a profession I was in the academic world. I got my Masters Degree and did all the coursework for my PhD. I read constantly and also write a lot and plan on delving deeper into writing in the near future.
Terrance: What’s next in store for Gregory Abbott?
Gregory Abbott: I intend to release four new singles of original material along with videos. And I’m planning some shows in the UK and Australia. I also have some collaborations (duets) in the works.
Terrance: That’s interesting and we look forward to that. Is there anything you would like to leave with your fans, the readers?
Gregory Abbott: I thank all your readers for their support over the years. To hear what I’ve been up to you can reach me at my official site www.gregoryabbott.com

April 7, 2018 @ 3:55 PM
As I collect my thoughts together I came to this conclusion: You are A Legendary Artist/ Musician/ Producer/ A Great Human Being. Words alone could not Express the Gratitude and Appreciation I have for Your Music. May You and Yours Continue to Be Blessed because You Are A Blessing to Many.
March 31, 2018 @ 3:05 PM
May you have a very blessed Easter, and a happy, happy birthday. I loved your interview. You never cease to amaze me.
From your greatest fan,
Mercury Storm.
April 2, 2018 @ 10:31 AM
Thanks so much for your kind words Mercury.
March 19, 2018 @ 3:26 PM
Thank you
February 28, 2018 @ 4:06 PM
Hey Gregory On and On is really great song. It’s very smooth and I like it. Cool , keep it coming.
February 21, 2018 @ 1:45 PM
As one of your millions of Fans I would Thank You so much for All of The Musical Contributions You have made and are Still Making in the Musical Industry for over 30 years… but who’s counting when you continue to make Songs that keep your Fans in “AWE”. Your Music has captured your Listeners with such Charm and Grace. At times, they’re even Spellbinding because at that Moment you forget about the troubles of the world and the troubles in your life if you have any. You just Embrace the Music with your Heart and Soul and to hear You Singing is ever so Delightful. Your Singing has Mesmerized Audiences All Around The World. For that I would like to give you an Award that includes Lots of Thank You’s, Hugs and Kisses and Well Wishes. You have Accomplished So Much and Touched So Many Souls in a Positive Way. You can’t be put in 1 Category of Music because You Belong In ALL Categories of Music. As busy as you are You take the Time to Interact with Your Millons of Fans. That is Super Awesome and Outstanding. You have So Many Great Qualities I don’t have the Space to List All of Them. Thank You for Touching So Many Lives with Your Wonderful Music. You Never Deviated From Your Style of Singing from ; Shake You Down, You’re My Angel, Stir It Up, Handyman, Soul Food, So Easy 2 B With You, Middle of Harlem, Say You Will, Sugar Sugar, I’ll Find A Way and The List Continues to go “ON And ON”. Now That Is REAL MUSIC. Much Love for ALL of Your Singing. FoR REAL !!!!
January 23, 2018 @ 4:47 AM
Your music is what the world and true music lovers need Shake u Down reminds me of mother( may she. R.I.H.) your song came out in 86 and she left the physical world in 87 so to say this song is wonderful is an understatement it’s something magical to me that transports me back in time i can see my mom smiling signing your song thanks for ‘creating such outstanding music may you have continued success, peace& blessings
February 8, 2018 @ 11:16 PM
Wow… so touching…. thank you for sharing your story
January 14, 2018 @ 9:44 PM
Great history Gregory.
Just want to know where in the West Indies is your father from.
January 19, 2018 @ 6:50 PM
St. John’s Antigua!
January 14, 2018 @ 9:06 PM
You have that lamp continiously burning into the early morning so that you can deliver to us music worth listening to. ..Yes I am checking out your interview.
January 14, 2018 @ 8:27 PM
Great interview. Very excited about the original singles that will be released in the future. Can’t wait to add them to my Gregory Abbott Collection. I feel confident that We , your fans will not be disappointed. Your loyal fan of 31 years. I still remember where I was the first time I heard Shake You Down. The words were deep and the sound unique for the time. I have a lot of favorite songs , from almost all genres but I can honestly say… Shake You Down is the only song that I can remember where I was the first time I heard it.
January 13, 2018 @ 8:13 AM
It has been more than a few years since I was your mentor and camp counselor at Camp Talcott. I am extremely proud of you and your accomplishments.
You have inspired me to wipe off the dust of my old guitar and play the darn thing.
January 19, 2018 @ 6:57 PM
Hey Ray,
Love to you guys from me and Drew. What a fine counselor you were. And what a wonderful friend throughout the years. Hope to see you one day soon.
January 13, 2018 @ 7:57 AM
Gregory Abbott, you are like a rare gem. Because, your music has stood the test of time. And, you are truly an inspiration to us all! That special prestine quality in your vocal ability lures us to wanting to discover more about everything that you do musically. Yes, you are a brilliant story-teller!
Congratulations on such an amazing journey.
P.S. You’ve carried the torch beautifully to be passed on to the next generations of journeymen and women. You’ve set the tone for excellence in music. And, I hope to read your autobiography one day soon.
Peace, love and blessings always…
January 19, 2018 @ 7:02 PM
Thank you JuLa. YOU are the gem.
January 13, 2018 @ 4:08 AM
Very interesting interview, it’s so exciting for me to know more about the very talented and goodlooking Gregory Abbott. ur number one fan Gregory, keep making beautiful romantic music. you’re the best ?
January 13, 2018 @ 4:08 AM
Very interesting interview, it’s so exciting for me to know more about the very talented and goodlooking Gregory Abbott. ur number one fan Gregory, keep making beautiful romantic music. you’re the best ?
January 12, 2018 @ 2:42 PM
Wonderful Intervuew. Thank You for All of Your Musical Contribution You Have Made. I look forward to hearing Your Uocoming Music.
January 12, 2018 @ 2:35 PM
That is an Amazing Interview. You are Truly a Very Gifted Person. You have Accomplished so Much with YourTalent, Intelligence and Caring.. You Sing Music that Your Fans Truly Enjoy. Congratulations Mr. Abbott for All of Your Contribution You have Made and Still Making in This World.