GREGOTA MUSIC GROUP LLC®

Haywood Gregory a vocal powerhouse whose musical journey began in his native Savannah, Georgia. Singing in churches and public schools by age seven, he turned professional at just fourteen, launching a career that would span broadway, film, and international stages.

Stage & Screen

Haywood Gregory’s career is defined by collaborations with legends and performances on the world's most prestigious stages. He took Broadway by storm in the 1988 hit musical "The Gospel at Colonus," sharing the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre stage with icons like Morgan Freeman, Charles Dutton, and The Blind Boys of Alabama. His powerful voice also made its mark on cinema with a singing debut in the cult classic thriller "The King of New York," starring Christopher Walken, Laurence Fishburne, and Wesley Snipes.

As a magnetic live performer, he became a global draw, captivating audiences at legendary events from the Newport Jazz Festival in the U.S. to the 36th Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. A familiar face on classic television, he also made numerous charismatic appearances on the legendary "Joe Franklin Show".

Recording & Collaborations

Haywood has shared the stage with a diverse array of music icons, including Bruce Springsteen, B.B. King, Tony Bennett, Liza Minnelli, Isaac Hayes, Buddy Guy, Lionel Hampton, The Oak Ridge Boys, Bruce Willis, Carl Perkins, The Drifters, and many others. His recording credits are equally impressive, featuring:

• Scene of the Crime (1991) – Recorded with the band Killer Joe with Bruce Springsteen, Max Weinburg, Bon Jon Jovi, Phoebe Snow (Duet), The Beach Boys, Joe Delia, Jerry  Vivino, Jimmy Vivino, marketed and distributed by Hard Ticket Entertainment and BMG Music.
• Last Concert CD (1997) – Recorded in Cologne, Germany, with jazz legends Eddie Harris and Bernard Purdie.
• Memphis In My Soul (1997) - Recorded with Jeanne C. Gregory, Billy Roues, Gary Solomon, Steven Roues and distributed by Bruton Music (Austria)
• Swinging with the Romero Brothers (1997) – A collaboration with Jeanne C. Gregory.
• Livin' Like A King (2001) - Blues Jumpers with Haywood Gregory
• The Haywood Gregory Collection Vol. 1 & 2 "(2005, 2014) - Haywood Gregory
• Rare Classic Recordings (2005), Rare Classic (2006), and Faith Moves Mountains (2010)  - Clarence Foutain & The Blind Boys of Alabama with Sam Butler Jr
• Shadez of da Bluz (2012) - starring Haywood Gregory & Jeannie C. Gregory, special appearance by Rob Paparozzi.
• Journeying On” (2018) - Clarence Fountain & The Five Blind Boys of Alabama
• I Ain't Gonna Cry No More (2020) - Haywood Gregory
• What If Jesus Came To Your House (2020) - Lil Willie Johnson & The Morning Stars of Savannah, Ga
• The Very Best of Legendary “Little Willie Johnson”  Vol. 1, 2, & 3 (2023) - Little Willie johnson

Media Licensing (TV & Film Placements)

Haywood’s original music has resonated with audiences worldwide through extensive synchronization placements in major television series:

• Vise Grip On My Heart heard in Chicago P.D., The Later Dater, Nadita's Time To Eat, So You Think You Can Dance, Party Planner with David Tutera, Houston Beauty, Velvet, and Baby Story.
• 21st Century Soul Man featured on P Valley, The Oprah Winfrey Show, So You Think You Can Dance, Velvet, Wheeler Dealers, and Mr. Hockey.
• I Need Money heard in Cuentame, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Bizarre Foods America, Make Over Story, and Introduction to Entrepreneurship.

Honors & Awards

A dedicated patriot and family man, Haywood has adhered to a standard of excellence recognized beyond the music industry. He has been awarded two resolutions from the New Jersey General Assembly and the New Jersey State Senate, honoring him as a world-class musician and upstanding citizen.

In the industry, his production talents were spotlighted in 2007 with a nomination at the 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards. He was nominated for Traditional Gospel Album and Traditional Recorded Gospel Song of the Year for his work on The Blind Boys of Alabama’s album, "Rare Classics."

Hayward Gregory III – A Multi-Talented Musical Force

From the churches of Jersey City to the studios of the music industry, Hayward Gregory III has dedicated his life to shaping sound and elevating artists across genres.

A Prodigy's Beginning

Born in Savannah, Ga, and raised in Jersey City, NJ, Hayward's musical journey began at just four years old when he first picked up the guitar. By 13, his prodigious talent landed him gigs as a freelance guitarist for local churches and performances with gospel groups, setting the stage for a lifetime in music.

Gospel & Blues Stage Presence

Hayward’s dynamic guitar work has backed legendary performers at major events, including:

• Leading as bass and lead guitarist for The Echoes of Harmony (Jersey City, NJ)
• Sharing stages with icons like Shirley Caesar, The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The William Brothers, The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Fantastic Violinaires, The Jackson Southernaires, The Sensational Nightingales, and many others. 
• Performing alongside his father, Haywood Gregory, at the Savannah Jazz Festival.

Producer & Collaborator

A creative force behind the scenes, Hayward has produced and co-produced multiple critically acclaimed projects through his family label, including:

• The Haywood Gregory Collection Vol. 1 & 2 (2005, 2014) - Haywood Gregory
• Rare Classic Recordings (2005), Rare Classic (2006), and Faith Moves Mountains (2010) - Clarence Foutain & The Blind Boys of Alabama with Sam Butler Jr
• Shadez of da Bluz (2012) - (starring Haywood Gregory & Jeannie C. Gregory, special appearance by Rob Paparozzi).
• Ride Wit Me (2013) and 1000 Grams (2021) - Al B Sosa
• Drink-Smoke (2016)  - Al B Sosa feat, Lord Shrypcha
• Journeying On (2018)  - Clarence Fountain & The Five Blind Boys of Alabama
• I Ain't Gonna Cry No More (2020)  - Haywood Gregory
• What If Jesus Came To Your House (2020) -  Lil Willie Johnson & The Morning Stars of Savannah, Ga
• The Very Best of Legendary “Little Willie Johnson”  Vol. 1, 2 & 3 (2023) 

His work earned him a nomination at the 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards (2007) for Traditional Gospel Album and Traditional Recorded Gospel Song of the Year for his work on The Blind Boys of Alabama’s album, "Rare Classics".

Industry Network & Distribution

Hayward has cultivated strong partnerships across the music business, have worked with major and iconic major record companies:

• HOB (House of Blues)
• A&M Records
• Capitol Records
• The Right Stuff / Philadelphia International Records - (Gamble & Huff)
• Orchard Sony Music
• Warner-Tamerlane Music
• BMG Music
• Intersound
• EMI
• Light Records
• Compendia Media Group                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  …and many others   

miltary service

Hayward Gregory III is a retired U.S. Marine who served 20 years, retiring at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Throughout his military career, SSGT Gregory conducted over 1,000 military funeral honors and coordinated the Marine Corps Toys for Tots  annual drive at the Providence Reserve Center in Providence, RI from 2001 to 2005. An expert marksman with the M16A2 rifle, pistol, and various weapon systems, his assignments included:

• Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC (1985)
• Camp Johnson, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejuene, NC (1985-1986)
• Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan (1986)
• Marine Corps Base Camp Fuji, Japan (1986–1987)
• 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA (1987–1989)
• Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA (1989–1992)
• Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, HI (1992–1995)
• 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC (1995–1998)
• Marine Corps Security Force Regiment (MCSFR), Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, VA (1998–2001)
• GSMT Co, 6th Motor Transport Battalion, Inspector-Instructor (I&I) Staff, Providence, RI (2001–2005)

He also completed sea duty aboard USS Wasp (1997) and USS Kearsarge (1998). His career reflects steadfast leadership, precision, and dedicated service to Marines, their families, and the community.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Academic Excellence

Beyond serving the military, performing, and producing, Hayward pursued higher education to refine his craft, earning:

• An Associate Degree in Social Science (Tidewater Community College, VA – 2015)
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Music Production (Full Sail University, FL – 2018)

Hayward Gregory III’s career—steeped in Gospel Roots, Blues, Soul, Hip Hip, R&B and Production Mastery—cements his legacy as a versatile musician, producer, industry professional, and most of all a Marine (Semper Fi).