NASHVILLE, TN (May 17, 2005) — You cannot turn on the radio today without hearing one of Gavin DeGraw's hit songs like, "I Don't Wanna Be," or "Chariot." Despite his rampant and spreading success, DeGraw remains humble and sticks to his musical roots and natural talent as a singer, pianist and songwriter.
Yamaha artist,
Gavin DeGraw favors Yamaha instruments including the
C7 piano. His hit video, "I Don't Wanna Be" also features a Yamaha piano. Aside from Yamaha pianos, he uses the Yamaha
ES6 and
ES8 motifs. Currently, DeGraw's favorite Yamaha instrument is the Yamaha Clavinova or
CLP175.
The CLP175 elegantly harmonizes grand piano aesthetics with the power and advanced functionality of Yamaha digital piano technology. The Clavinova features a 'Natural Keyboard' with wooden keys and iAFC (Instrumental Active Field control). The CLP175 also combines outstanding response and breathtakingly realistic sound in a beautiful grand piano style wood cabinet.
DeGraw grew up playing music at home with piano studies beginning at eight and later playing in cover bands with his older brother in upstate New York. A few years later, DeGraw, who had been writing his own songs, decided to make a go of it as a singer/songwriter in New York City. Upon his arrival in the late '90s, DeGraw made an impression with crowds, and journalists, as his name began to pop up in magazines.
The steady buzz led to offers from major labels, but DeGraw chose to take his time, and let his craft develop and his audiences grow. He eventually signed a record deal with Clive Davis and his J Records imprint (home of Santana as well as R&B mainstays
Alicia Keys and Angie Stone). DeGraw's debut,
Chariot, arrived in the summer of 2003 and, like his early days in New York City, it slowly built momentum and it is now one of the top albums as sales are constantly growing every day.
For more information on Yamaha Corporation of America's Artist Affairs division, please contact Tiffany Napper at
tnapper@yamaha.com or 615-599-0800. Yamaha's ever-growing list of artists can be viewed by going to
www.yamahaartists.com..
