25 artists who influenced Gary V's life and career

Gary Valenciano is celebrating his 25th anniversary in showbiz this year with a series of shows in the US and Canada, and a new album titled Rebirth (exclusively marketed and distributed by Universal Records, Inc.) which is, according to Gary V, not about trends “but it hopes to cater to the rhythms and beats, harmonies and melodies played out in real life, filtered by emotions nestled in the human heart.”

To help mark his “25th,” Funfare asked Gary V (with the help of his wife, Angeli Pangilinan) to draw a list of the 25 artists who have influenced his life and career. Here they are (at random order):

1. MICHAEL W. SMITH — He introduced me to the art of modern worship to Jesus. I met him in Puerto Rico during the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Global Mission concert in 1995.

2. STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN — I just love the purity and creativity of every inspirational song; the man who wrote I Will Be Here.

3. STEVIE WONDER — Though blind, he still manages to see with eyes of his heart.

4. JAMES TAYLOR — The simplicity of his music always manages to leave its mark on the listener’s heart.

5. AL JARREAU —  He doesn’t dance but his vocal gymnastics always gets me movin’.

6. PHIL COLLINS –- No one else sounds like him.

7. STING — There’s just something about his music that digs deep into the soul.

8. DAVID FOSTER — An exceptional songwriter/producer who simply always brings out the very best in every artist he works with. From Earth, Wind & Fire to Josh Groban, David Foster is truly one of music industry’s major contributors.

9. EARTH, WIND & FIRE —  There’s never been any other group quite like them and never will there ever be any other group that has created sounds and rhythms that have transcended generations.

10. BARRY MANILOW -– Maybe it’s because I’m Pinoy, or maybe because I was once a hopeless romantic but whatever the reason may be I think it all boils down to the fact that the man has simply sung songs that stirred my heart.

11. MICHAEL JACKSON — Usher and Justine are just two of many who have included a touch of Michael in their performances. It’s like the two best learning from the very best.

12. CHICAGO — I grew up with their music, I will grow old and grey with their music as well.

13. QUINCY JONES — James Ingram was the voice behind the hit Just Once but it was producer Quincy Jones that put it all together. One artist I truly respect. He was also highly responsible for producing one of the biggest selling albums of all time, Michael Jackson’s Thriller album.

14. BRIAN TRENCEAU (BT) — For me, he is to music what Albert Einstein is to science. He is an absolute genius with his whole arsenal of ideas that fits any genre. From film scores to dance music, he for me is the most innovative and probably the best on my list.

15. MON FAUSTINO — My musical arranger, vocal arranger, musical director for over 15 years now. His passion and dedication to his craft and his God is quite infectious. Also a great and thoughtful friend. (He is considered one of, if not, the best vocal arrangers in the pop music scene.)

16. JAY DURIAS — There’s a certain feel to his work that always makes me listen to it again and again. Great, great songwriter and producer.

17. BRIAN McKNIGHT — He is probably one of the most versatile male vocalists today. He is a master at using his vocals. I really admire his talent and am privileged to have guested him in my concert in LA a couple of years ago at the Shrine Auditorium.

18. SAMMY DAVIS JR. — If anyone can watch this man’s past performances, you will see why he’s on my list.

19. JAMES HORNER, TREVOR RABIN, JOHN WILLIAMS, HANS ZIMMER, JAMES NEWTON HOWARD, CHRISTOPHER BECK, STEVE JABLONSKY — These are only some of a group of artists who have perfected the art of completing what we watch in movies by creating musical scores that take the experience of watching to new levels of action, love, realization, understanding, joy, tears and laughter.

20. BURT BACHARACH — His music, if and when played, 20 years from now, will still create the same impact it continues to have on everyone.

21. SERGIO MENDES — It’s like this man never really went with the flow but went his own way and took many of us for the ride. I absolutely love his music.

22. FRANK SINATRA— When one hears a voice that seems to fit in to the category of being one that is classic, genuine, unique, soothing, moving, relaxing, entertaining, captivating, there is one standard the world goes by — Frank Sinatra.

23. TONY BENNETT — If you haven’t yet heard his Duets album, go get yourself a copy now. This is one man whose voice has never deteriorated with time, but rather, has only gotten better.  How he does it I do not know but he is on my list for sure.

24. THE CARPENTERS — It’s more than just the music. It’s the memory of my family: All seven children, mom and dad, putting up the Christmas tree, celebrating New Year’s Day, or simply hanging around in our house in Greenhills on the first day of summer break.  Somehow, I remember their music playing when these images come in to my mind.

25. THE BEATLES —  Need I say anything more?

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