In today’s episode I sit down with Gregg Field, a music industry powerhouse, and one of the most versatile and highly sought-after producers, drummers, and educators in the music industry.
Gregg tells us about his extraordinary life changing moment at the age of 17 that propelled him to become one of the most coveted drummers in the music industry. He went on to tour with Count Basi, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald. It was during this time he met Henry Mancini, one of the greatest music composers of all time. Gregg tells us that what he learned way back then, was that where he puts his time and his passion, doors start opening, and that is the technique he uses today to create opportunities.
We talk about his Vanity Fair article on Frank Sinatra’s last concert, and the book he is writing about well known people he has worked with in his illustrious career that will be released in 2025.
We hear his recollection of the Ella Fitzgerald Tribute concert at the Apollo Theatre in New York, for what would have been Ella’s 100th birthday. For sure, Gregg’s recount of this night will give you goose bumps.
Our entire conversation is ear marked with “coincidentally, I get this call” or “coincidentally this person comes up to me…..” and then a new and fabulous chapter in Gregg Field’s life ensues. Like 8 Grammys for music producing, engineering and directing. His time and passion has always been triumphant in opening doors. It’s like he has had Guardian Angels encircling him with love and light his entire life, and kept him incredibly humble along the way.
Gregg tells us about how he got involved in Festival Napa Valley and became a Producer who brings in artists outside of the classical world. We talk about the Frost School of Music and its extraordinary Dean – Shelly Berg, and the Frost School of Music’s Henry Mancini Orchestra.
We get the inside scoop on how his Grammy nominated “Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry has Company” album came together. You won’t want to miss Gregg’s story about this extraordinary gathering of famous musicians and yet another ‘coincidental’ story….. The album was released on June 21, 2024 and was No. 1 on Apple Music and outsold Taylor Swift. Now that is saying something!
And finally, be sure to watch his ‘PBS Great Performances – Henry Mancini Live from the Hollywood Bowl’ Special. It is a truly, heart-warming concert you won’t want to miss.