I sing First Tenor, Second Tenor and Lead for Joe Billingslea and THE CONTOURS.
I was born on November 8, 1952, in Detroit, and grew up on its north end. I was influenced by the popular groups of the day such as The Coasters and The Drifters and solo acts like Brook Benton, Sam Cooke, Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan. Coached by my mother, Catherine Grier, I began singing, at first just entertaining my family and their friends. While attending Hutchins Junior High, a classmate named Gloria Wier got me an audition for the mixed chorus.
The mixed chorus took my joy of singing to another level. The group, under the direction of Ms. Barbara Williams, performed at a number of venues in the area, including other schools and at the Ford Auditorium in downtown Detroit. While in school, I joined the Illusions, a five member vocal group. Their first big gig was called the Hutcha-balao, and pitted students versus teachers.
After graduating from the Atterbury Job Corps, I joined the Soul Impressions and sang with the group for about five years. In the early seventies, I became a member of the Sons Of Truth. The group cut a rock-gospel album for Stax Record Company (which launched the careers of major pop soul stars Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Carla & Rufus Thomas, Booker T. & the MGs, the Mar-Keys, Isaac Hayes, etc.) Sadly, shortly afterward, Stax shut down before the album had a chance to get out of the gate. After about 18 months with the Sons Of Truth, a four-man group called Rare Quality, featuring Steve Spears, Dwjuan Brock, Ed Range and me was formed. I stayed with this group for 2-3 years. After leaving Rare Quality, I kept my musical skills sharp by singing at local Karaoke venues and participating in Karaoke contests.
At my day job, I worked with a singer named Joyce Johnson, who was an opening act with THE CONTOURS. While I was rehearsing with The Illusions in preparation for a group reunion, Joyce introduced me to Joe Billingslea of THE CONTOURS. This led to an audition, and in the fall of 1993, I joined THE CONTOURS. I debuted with the group at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Michigan. I was thrilled, but my biggest fan, my mother, was even more excited.
Since I joined THE CONTOURS, I have toured extensively in North America and Europe. I have received several awards, including the Smokey Robinson Heroes and Legend Award. In addition to singing, I am the group's choreographer.
I am married to Delariece and I have three children, Gary, Sherita and Shaquita. I dedicated my career and success as a Contour to my mother, Catherine Grier.