Greg Phillinganes

Greg Phillinganes serves as an Adjunct Instructor in Popular Music at an unspecified institution. With a 50-year career as a keyboard artist and music director, he has collaborated with icons including Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, and Quincy Jones. His work spans Grammy-winning albums, major tours (Jackson's 'Bad' and 'Dangerous', Richie's 'Can't Slow Down'), and landmark events like the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Grammy Awards, and MusiCares tributes.

Specializing in contemporary music performance and direction, Phillinganes excels in keyboard artistry and live production. His career demonstrates mastery across popular music genres, from soul and R&B to rock, with emphasis on improvisational skill and ensemble leadership. He has shaped performances for artists ranging from Rod Stewart to John Mayer while maintaining technical precision in studio and live settings.

His honors include:

• ASCAP Pop Award for co-writing Lionel Richie's 'Love Will Conquer All'
• Grammy nomination and Grammy Award as Toto member
• Two Emmy Awards: 2014 Grammy Salute to Stevie Wonder and 2023 Joni Mitchell tribute

Phillinganes' career exemplifies the intersection of academic instruction and elite professional practice, translating decades of touring and production experience into pedagogical context for emerging musicians. His recent work includes directing the 2025 Grammys Quincy Jones tribute and touring with Toto and David Gilmour.