GearFest 2018 Interview with Greg Phillinganes

From work with Stevie Wonder while still in his teens to tours and recordings with Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, and Toto, Phillinganes’ massive discography reads like a who’s who of pop music, encompassing four decades. From jazz piano parts to levitating synth leads, Phillinganes can and does cover it all. By some metrics, he’s the most prolific and hired “sideman” (in his case, the term seems absurdly diminutive) ever. Between the gigs he gets and his superhuman chops and photographic musical memory, he’s truly the keyboard player we all aspire to be.

[@jaggass]

One of the best keyboardists that's ever lived. He's barely aged since the 90's.

[@geraldineyopp4217]

I remember Greg as a child playing the piano..he was my neighbor in the city of Highland Park, Mich...so proud of him! Truly the best!

[@willowwale2000]

Where are Greg's parents from, which country?

[@samsamba08]

This guy’s life story is basically every professional keyboard player’s (or musicians in general) dream. Just legendary! Make sure you check out his Red Bull Music Academy ”lecture” too, it’s 2hrs of essential stuff! I also believe he’s the only guy Donald Fagen has written a song FOR (”Lazy Nina” on his 80’s solo LP ”Pulse”)!

[@tonylancer7367]

That lecture is one of the uplifting lectures ever. I just hate it because they cut out all the music.

[@gloriagain7739]

sometimes best ones are the humblest. amazing story yet in the most relaxed fashion. this is where music is born from. thx for the interview, loved it.

[@LRS905]

Mr. Phillinganes looks like a very humble "I really appreciate all that has happened in my career" type of person. The kind you can approach and say "Hi" and not receiving any "get TF outtahere" answer. What a great interview, as always Sweetwater providing good contents.

[@lyndamckoy830]

Great interview. Outstanding musician and so much more. Greg is a very talented qifted keyboardist. Very privileged meeting Greg and working with him. Greg is a blessing. Our love to you and your family.

[@AlbertoMartinezDelRio]

Living history of mastery and good taste ...

[@cc11studio]

One of the most amazing keyboard players ever. It's not just the catalog of songs he knows, written, covered, people toured with, but his voicing and arrangements are something I strive for. AMAZING player in so many ways.

[@KrystofDreamJourney]

Great interview ! Greg is one of the finest musicians ever.

[@CJPerez-cs9es]

This was awesome.

[@markjaylandes]

Great interview!

[@sweetwater]

👍

[@ygaltuil]

I love the this Man Best Muisician

[@dannyhughes2680]

Greg is a gifted and talented man

[@rio197]

LEGEND.

[@insertgoodname4809]

This man is our generations Funk Brothers.

[@kamelody7285]

Dude really looked like he was having so much fun in the MJ video " Another Part of Me"

[@ZakVlogs]

Yes I remember lol

[@life-is-inspiring3953]

Hahaha he is really a funny guy!!

[@ryanmelvey8764]

mitch and greg, two of my favorites haha :D

[@Retr01234]

How does this have so few views!!!

[@artsIlike]

He wrote 50 percent or more of Dont Stop Till You Get Enough

[@oholm09]

Mike didn't give Greg a royalties for arrangements of don't stop til you get enough

[@semiribrahim8956]

no Michael wrote don't stop til you get enough entirely

[@mjibmichaeljacksoninblack8170]

@@semiribrahim8956 Yes, but Greg did arrangements on the song and lots of it. Yet, he never got credit because of CBS.

[@SirZaydenOfNapier10]

Greg actually wrote the bridge (the solo part, which you can't hear on Michael's '78 demo), but Michael decided that he'd arranged the song, instead of the initial 10% writing credit they'd agreed on. Hope that clears up any unsure & misinformation.

[@theaudioeng]

😎🎹🎹🎹🎹👍🍻

[@leobastosmusic]

like

[@willowwale2000]

Where are Greg's parents from? Which country?

[@GFXMOD]

"There were a lot of sides to him". What did he mean by that?.