Reggie Graham
Reggie Graham is a music professor, Minister of Music and a recording artist.
Masters Degree in Music Composition
Bachelors Degree in Music Management
Pi Kappa Lambda, National Honor Music Society
Hired to recruit, direct and manage the San Joaquin Boy's Choir
Adjunct Professor of Music, Sacramento City College
Adjunct Professor of Music, Trinity Life Bible College
Pianist, Gospel Music Workshop of America, Sacramento Chapter
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Reggie Graham's involvement with keyboards was built upon feelings. "It felt good, and I kept going," noted the artist whose music career began here in the Sacramento area but really blossomed in the Bay Area.
Reggie was introduced to Bay Area audiences as an organist in jazz legend Jon Hendrick's very successful production, The Evolution of the Blues.
The exposure he received from this musical brought him into contact with Casablanca recording artist Jimmy Goins.
Goins, lead vocalist for the popular Latin-rock group Santa Esmeralda", chose Reggie as the group's multi-keyboardist and the international scene became Reggie's market as he toured the world with the internationally recognized group. His itinerary soon looked like the departure board at San Francisco International Airport. The gifted pianist toured Brazil, Mexico, Japan, Canada, Kuwait, Jordan and extensively in the United States.
The energetic keyboardist has performed with Gospel artists Helen Stevenson, Angella Christie and Arthur Jones. He has also toured with the popular disco group Two Tons Of Fun" also known as "The Weather Girls". He was also the star of a Pioneer Stereo of France television commercial that featured him riding a customized piano on the streets of San Francisco.
Recently, Reggie has been apointed Minister of Music at Antioch Progressive Church.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Christian events, concerts, special events and grand openings. "Don't force it, wait on the Spirit!"
Your musical influences
My earliest influences came from the music my parents listened to, which included gospel, jazz and rhythm and blues. Living in Europe for 4 years during 4-7 grades gave me exposure to classical music and English rock and roll. I started playing piano at 13 and began making money with it playing mainly R & B at the age of 15. I started dabbling in jazz, but didn't get serious until I was around 22.
I have written or arranged a little bit of everything.
What equipment do you use?
I love pianos, organs, clavinets, rhodes and I also am very proficient with music software.
Anything else?
I use the following music software: Sonar, Reason, Finale, Encore, Recycle, Peak and Sonic Foundry.
