Gavin Christopher

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Gavin Christopher is a R&B singer and musician born in Chicago Illinois where he started out playing music at a very early age. Having been schooled by the likes of Oscar Brown Jr., Donny Hathaway and later on Curtis Mayfield, he honed his writing and singing skills and began his career, first in a band called Lyfe (which also included Chaka Khan). Khan then left and joined Rufus (scoring several pop and R&B hits with them). Christopher later joined another band called High Voltage with Bobby Watson, Tony Maiden and Lalomie Washburn. He also penned the song Once You Get Started which was later recorded by Rufus and hit #10 on the Hot 100 in 1975.

Gavin relocated to Los Angeles California where he was signed to his first deal with Island Records. He later moved back to Chicago to record and work with Curtis Mayfield on the Curtom/RSO label. He worked with Herbie Hancock, writing and singing on several of his albums. Christopher also penned the Hancock song Stars in Your Eyes.

Following a move to New York City, Gavin signed with EMI Manhattan Records and had his biggest single to date, One Step Closer to You (his only Hot 100 hit as an artist, #22 in 1986) and You Are Who You Love. He also produced music for artists such as Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa and The Ritchie Family. He was heavily involved in the early hip-hop scene, writing such hits as Girls Love the Way He Spins, Sign Of the Time, We Gonna Rock America and All Night All Right.

Gavin's sister is dance music vocalist Shawn Christopher.