Gavin Christopher facts for kids

Gavin Christopher (born May 1, 1949 – died March 3, 2016) was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and producer. He was known for his work in R&B music. He wrote songs for famous artists and had his own hit songs.

Gavin Christopher's Musical Journey

Gavin Christopher was born in Chicago, Illinois. He started playing music when he was very young. He learned from talented musicians like Oscar Brown Jr and Donny Hathaway. He also learned from Curtis Mayfield, who helped him improve his writing and singing.

Starting in Bands

Gavin began his career in a band called Lyfe. Another famous singer, Chaka Khan, was also in this band. Later, Chaka Khan left to join the band Rufus. Gavin then joined another band called High Voltage. This band included Bobby Watson and Tony Maiden, who later joined Rufus.

Writing Hits for Rufus

Gavin Christopher became connected with Rufus too. He wrote a song called "Once You Get Started" for them. This song became a big hit, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1975. He also wrote three more songs for Rufus's next album, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan. These songs were "Dance Wit Me" (another big hit), "Fool's Paradise," and "Have A Good Time."

Moving to Los Angeles and New York

Gavin later moved to Los Angeles, California. There, he signed his first recording contract with Island Records. He then moved back to Chicago to work with Curtis Mayfield on the Curtom/RSO record label. He also worked with Herbie Hancock, writing and singing on several of his albums. Gavin wrote Herbie Hancock's song, "Stars in Your Eyes."

After moving to New York City, Gavin signed with EMI Manhattan Records. He had his biggest hit song, "One Step Closer to You," which reached number 22 on the Hot 100 chart in 1986. Two years later, he had another big R&B hit called "You Are Who You Love."

Producing and Mentoring

Gavin Christopher also produced music for other artists. These included Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, and The Ritchie Family. He also helped and worked with a young Mariah Carey before she became famous. He was very involved in the early hip-hop music scene. He wrote popular hip-hop songs like "Girls Love the Way He Spins" and "Sign of the Time."

Gavin's sister is Shawn Christopher, a well-known dance music singer.

Gavin Christopher passed away on March 3, 2016, in Chicago. He was 66 years old and died from heart failure. He is survived by his daughter, Chloe Zae Jackson.

Gavin Christopher's Solo Music

Gavin Christopher released several albums and singles as a solo artist.

Albums

• 1976: Gavin Christopher [1976]
• 1979: Gavin Christopher [1979]
• 1986: One Step Closer
• 1987: Gavin

Singles

• 1976: "Good Stuff"
• 1976: "Love Has a Face of Its Own"
• 1979: "Feelin' the Love" (reached #77 on the U.S. R&B chart)
• 1985: "Best Part of the Night" (with Jeff Lorber)
• 1986: "One Step Closer to You" (reached #22 in the U.S., #25 on U.S. R&B, #9 on U.S. Dance, #99 in the U.K.)
• 1986: "Back in Your Arms"
• 1988: "You Are Who You Love" (reached #10 on the U.S. R&B chart)
• 1988: "Can't Put Out the Fire"

Collaborations and Production Work

Gavin Christopher also contributed to many other recordings as a musician, songwriter, or producer.

• 1979: Gavin Christopher (played percussion, piano, conga, vocals, clavinet; also produced)
• 1979: Gonna Getcha Love by Charles Jackson (producer, keyboards, vocals)
• 1980: Monster by Herbie Hancock (vocals)
• 1981: Magic Windows by Herbie Hancock (vocals, bass arrangement)
• 1985: They Said It Couldn't Be Done by Grandmaster Flash (producer, synthesizer, bass, percussion, keyboards, programming, horn and string arrangements, drum programming, mixing)
• 1986: Beware (The Funk Is Everywhere) by Afrika Bambaataa (producer)
• 1992: "Don't Lose the Magic" by Shawn Christopher (producer, songwriter)
• Also appeared on albums by Chaka Khan (Life Is a Dance), Rufus (Rufusized), and Rufus & Chaka Khan (Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan).