Greg Bates

Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Greg Bates was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, the heart, soul, and center of country music. He grew up with country music, from songwriter rounds to charity nights to local dances, and he quickly developed the chops as a writer and singer to fit right in with that city's long and cherished musical history. Influenced by George Strait, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, and Dwight Yoakam, the so-called new traditionalists of the '90s, Bates absorbed it all while also working toward a degree in music business at Belmont University, playing his first showcase when he was a freshman. By the time he graduated, Bates had already been meeting with publishers interested in his songs. A true product of Music City, Bates understood the craft and benefits involved in writing a good song, and he focused there, even though he had evolved into a very good singer and performer with a winning stage presence and a growing fan base, enough to earn him a debut appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in April of 2012. With Bates now signed to Republic Nashville, his debut single, the Jimmy Ritchey-produced "Did It for the Girl," hit the airwaves later that same month, with a full album, also produced by Ritchey, slated to follow. ~ Steve Leggett, Rovi