Biography
Gregota Music LLC was founded in 1985 by Hayward Gregory Jr. as a record and music publishing company. Over the years, Gregota Music has grown into a respected force in the industry, working with major performance rights organizations (PROs) and licensing partners, including The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), Song Trust, The National Music Publishing Association (NMPA), The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), The Harry Fox Agency (HFA), Easy Song Licensing (ESL), Music Data Exchange (MDX), and Sound Exchange (SX).
Since 2003, Gregota Music has expanded its reach by acquiring numerous music catalogs, featuring works by legendary artists such as:
Clarence Fountain (The Blind Boys of Alabama)
Samuel Butler Jr. (The Blind Boys of Alabama)
Greg Kelly (The Supreme Angels)
Dwight Fields (The Manhattans)
Willie Johnson (The Morning Stars of Savannah, GA)
Lil Willie Johnson (Vintage R&B Music Catalogs)
...and many others.
These catalogs are available for licensing through Gregota’s network of partners. The company has also licensed music to major and noticably iconic major record labels:
House of Blues (HOB)
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
...among others.
Beyond publishing, Gregota Music has secured multiple distribution and synchronization deals. In 2019, the company signed a sync deal with a London based firm to feature Clarence Fountain & The Blind Boys of Alabama’s "Heard the Angels Moan"in the Netflix series Sex Education.
FEATURED ARTISTS & RELEASES
Gregota’s diverse catalog spans Gospel, Blues, Jazz, Country, R&B, and Hip Hop, with standout releases including:
The Blind Boys of Alabama ("Rare Classic," “Faith Moves Mountains”, “Gregota Golden Gospel Vol. 1”, and"Journeying On")
Haywood Gregory – The soulful bluesman’s discography features "I Ain’t Gonna Cry No More," "White Xmas Blues," and "The Haywood Gregory Collection Vol. 1 &2"
Rob Paparozzi – Collaboration with Haywood Gregory, and Jeannie Gregory - "Shadez of Da Blues" .
Jeannie Gregory – Collaboration with Haywood Gregory - "Cry of the MIA", "Shadez of Da Blues" , and “Mama Sweet Love”.
Lil Willie Johnson & The Morning Stars of Savannah, Ga - ("What If Jesus Came To Your House')
Lil Willie Johnson - ("The Very Best of Legendary Lil Willie Johnson Vol. 1, 2 & 3).
Al B Sosa – The hip-hop artist’s releases include "Ride Wit Me" , “Drink-Smoke”, and “1000 Grams”
To better manage its gospel and christian music catalog, Gregota established Gregota Gospel. Additionally, the company formed Haygota Music Publishing (BMI), a division dedicated to representing and protecting BMI-affiliated writers, while continuing to oversee ASCAP writers through Gregota Music Publishing (ASCAP).
As a independent company, Gregota Music LLC remains committed to delivering high-quality music across all genres while safeguarding the rights of songwriters and composers.
HAYWARD J. GREGORY JR - ARTIST, SONGWRITER, GUITARIST, COMPOSER & PRODUCER
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 J. GREGORY III - GUITARIST, COMPOSER, SONGWRITER, PRODUCER AND RECORDING ENGINEER
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).