Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

December 11, 1940 in Tulsa, OK

 

David Gates was born on December 11, 1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He grew up in a musical family, with his father playing the piano and his mother singing in the church choir. Gates began playing the guitar at a young age and soon started writing his own songs. In the early 1960s, Gates moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. He formed a band called The Pleasure Fair, which released one album in 1967. The band's folk-rock sound was influenced by the likes of The Byrds and The Mamas & The Papas. After The Pleasure Fair disbanded, Gates began working as a session musician and songwriter. He wrote songs for a variety of artists, including Bobby Darin, Merle Haggard, and Elvis Presley. In 1969, Gates joined the band Bread, which he co-founded with fellow musicians James Griffin and Robb Royer. Bread quickly became one of the most popular bands of the early 1970s, with a string of hit songs that included "Make It With You," "Everything I Own," and "Baby I'm-a Want You." Gates was the primary songwriter for the band, and his songs often featured his distinctive high-pitched vocals and intricate guitar work. In addition to his work with Bread, Gates also released several solo albums throughout the 1970s. His solo work was more experimental than his work with Bread, incorporating elements of jazz and classical music. Gates continued to write and record music throughout the 1980s and 1990s, although his commercial success waned. He also worked as a producer and songwriter for other artists, including Rita Coolidge and Jennifer Warnes. Despite his success as a songwriter and musician, Gates is perhaps best known for his work as a composer of classical music. He began studying classical music in the 1970s and eventually became a respected composer in his own right. Gates' classical compositions are characterized by their lush orchestration and melodic beauty. His works include a symphony, several concertos, and numerous chamber pieces. He has also written music for film and television, including the score for the 1980 film "The Last Flight of Noah's Ark." Throughout his career, Gates has been recognized for his contributions to music. He has received numerous awards and honors, including induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006. Despite his success, Gates has remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to write and record music, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless musicians who have been inspired by his unique blend of folk, rock, and classical music.

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