For more about Gray see:
http://graybartlett.com/default.asp
Peoples thoughts on Gray
-
Only special people deserve such titles as "The Greatest". Gray is one of those special people. A wonderful man... A wonderful musician. - Ruby Turner.
-
Not only is Gray a fine musician and guitarist he is a very great friend who is full of kindness and compassion. He is a great friend of all The Baron Knights and will remain in the highest esteem from all of us. - Pete Langford, The Barron knights.
-
"I have known Gray Bartlett for more than thirty years. He is a role model New Zealander and certainly one of our greatest ever entertainers. Gray is very generous and has contributed substantially to many charaties and good causes. He is a good man. - Mayor Hon. John Banks
-
"Gray is a great man of music, a great New Zealander and a great friend. And he is the best talent spotter I know. Here's to the next 50 years! Viva Gray!"- Costa Pilavachi, President of EMI classics.
-
"Gray Bartlett is one of those rare people in the music industry who has pretty well done it all, As both a hugely successful artist and Entrepreneur. His devotian to the NZ music inustry and Its young talent is respected locally and internationally". - Rob Potts, CEO, Rob Potts Entertainment.
Gray Bartlett MBE - International musician and Entrepreneur
Gray Bartlett is a hugely talented man with a very long list of achievements. Gray has many amazing stories to tell about his life in the music industry, his political and charitable contributions and his success as a businessman in the world of music.
Gray was born in Auckland on the 22nd of July 1942. Two things influenced Gray entering into the world of music; the first was hearing Mark Kahi who played Mist Of The Night this sparked his love for the guitar. At the age of 14 Gray’s love for music really flourished as his older brother showed him the ways around a guitar. This increased Gray’s interest in music to grow prompting him to join a band with other young adults called the Phantoms!!
In 1961 Gray’s music career began for real with Zodiac Records, when he released his first single, “Last Stage West”. From 1961 to 1965 he began touring and performing with big names such as Tom Jones and Vera Lynn this was the first stage on his road to success. Gray’s career then lead him to Japan where he released another single called, “La Playa”. La Playa hit no.2 in Japan with over 410,000 copies sold. This was his big break as it led him back to New Zealand and where he cemented a friendship with Rolf Harris. The duo then toured across the UK, Australia and New Zealand together.
It was the late 1980s was when Gray started to receive some very prestigious awards and gain international recognition. In 1986 Gray made history, as he was the first New Zealand entertainer to be accepted by the Chinese government to perform in China. He became very popular in China doing many tours and selling many albums, this led him to winning the best foreign artist of the year award in China. In 1987 Gray was awarded an MBE for services to entertainment. The prestige associated with winning these awards led Gray to release gold albums and perform with many other well renowned musicians.
Gray’s successful entertainment career enabled him to be in the position of discovering new young talent in the music industry Gray has an amazing eye for young talent, and has discovered many amazing performers such as:
· Hayley Westenra
· Ben Morrison
· Yulia
· Will Martin
· Annabel Fay
Gray is an inspiring and talented musician his career in music has spanned many other countries. He has also spent a huge amount of time encouraging and discovering new talent. He is also a great philanthropist who has given plenty of time to helping SPCA with charity concerts. He has had a very successful career comprised of high-ranking singles, millions of record sales and performing with many amazing stars. Gray is a very inspirational man with an amazing past to share!!