My Background:

In, Jackson, Michigan, I began piano lessons when I was 9 years old and took formal lessons until 12 and 1/2!   Since I did not really enjoy the Classical piano music, I promised my parents I would "keep playing at church" if they would let me quit the lessons.  They let me quit lessons and kept my promise to keep playing.  

My skills grew over the years to the point where I played piano in the Michigan Center High School Jazz Band.   Then, I received a full scholarship to Jackson Community College to play piano for the Concert Choir and their "Up With People-like" show troupe- The Starfleet Ambassadors.    After one semester with the group, they also discovered my innate ability to "lift" music (write down the notes by listening to a record) so, I was upgraded to both accompanist and music arranger for the show troupe.

(Doug Gazlay- 1983- Eleanor Russell's Christmas Party)

I spent five years of my life helping produce the shows which were performed in the Fall and Spring semesters each season.  My arranging abilities allowed the group to be recognized by the National Education Association and we were invited as the featured entertainment during a 1984 Dinner/Meeting in Washington, DC.   The following Winter 1985, our group was invited to perform at Disney World, in Florida, on the "Tomorrow Land" Stage as well as at Lenox Square Mall, here in Atlanta, Georgia!   It was then and there (in February and no sign of snow) that I decided Atlanta would be my new home!

The Jackson Symphony Orchestra featured me twice during their "Pop Music" events.   Once, in 1983, with a synthesizer performance of CHARIOTS OF FIRE and a second time at Christmas 1984 where I arranged one of my originals- FOR ME, IT WON'T BE CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR.   It was my most exciting arrangement and performance.   I was seated at the 12-ft. Steinway Grand Piano, in front of the full orchestra (just like Barry Manilow or Neil Diamond) and sang the song while being accompanied by the orchestra!

Move to Atlanta:

In 1985, I boarded a Grey Hound Bus, with $70.00 in my pocket, some sheet music, and a youthful heart full of enthusiasm and headed to Atlanta, GA!   My dear friend, Charlene Korth and her son- Chris, were living here.   They invited me to stay with them as I got settled in my new, exciting town!  

I got a job at a bank, Fulton Federal Savings and Loan, and learned quickly that banking was NOT for me.   I changed to retail- RICH'S and worked in the TRIM-A-TREE department, where I discovered a grand piano that was being used for a "prop" only.  I auditioned for the Special Events Director- Margaret Cooper.   She liked me but had "no budget" for entertainment.   I offered to play F.O.C. one time.   The reaction from the shoppers and employees was so overwhelmingly positive that they hired me for the next six years to play for special events and fashion shows.   I played for many celebrity appearances including:  Kenny Rogers, Sidney Poitier, and Ines de le Frassange.    It was there that RICH'S customers picked up my business cards and subsequently became my customers.    For over 20 years, I've performed for hundreds of weddings, receptions, birthdays, church services (Director of Music for 23 years), corporate promotions, special events and more.  

Now, I have my own recording studio- D-GROOVES- and am producing piano and Christmas CDs as well as projects for other recording artists and songwriters.    During the 2005 Christmas season, my original- MABLE'S CHRISTMAS (2005) (featuring Amy Thorn- vocalist)- was a top-10 hit on a European Christmas Chart!   So, as you can see, the 3 and 1/2 years of piano lessons were enough to spark the God-given talent that dwelled within me and I have been blessed ever since.   I hope to help spark the musical talent awaiting to be discovered in you or your child!

YULETIDE FRIENDS-
www.yuletidefriends.com
Doug's latest recording
featuring his top ten hit-
MABLE'S CHRISTMAS (2005).