Gary Foote

Class of 1980

 

Gary (’80) is a professional bassist, songwriter, producer, and longtime member of the legendary Motown family. After an early graduation from Wisconsin Lutheran High School, Gary received a full scholarship to Florida State University, where he studied music composition and performance. He then moved to New York City, where he quickly emerged on the music scene and began touring with Swiss-based jazz/fusion great, Billy Cobham. After signing with RCA records with Charlie Elgart, Gary moved to Japan with BBC and began to work in NYC with Rock Video International as a coordinating producer while touring with songstress Regina Belle. Gary began a lifelong touring relationship with the legendary band “Blood, Sweat & Tears” and held the bass chair until Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy hired him to work with the family at Motown. As a founding partner in the company Soundguild, Gary composed and produced music for television shows under the Viacom umbrella (MTV, Nickelodeon, TV Land, and more), as well as music for Quincy Jones’ productions and Nile Rodgers’ productions. After recording with artists like Wu Tang, Maxwell, and Bad Boy, Gary toured the world with his wife, Jenny Douglas Foote. Together, they have performed in more than 75 countries and all 50 states. Gary is the CEO of Gary Foote Music—a group of composers of creative music for media. Their unique scoring abilities traverse commercials, TV, radio, movie trailers, and games. Gary is enthusiastic about sharing all he can with all those interested in music and can be seen doing Master Classes, as well as live shows.