Greg's Biography

There's a buzz in Myrtle Beach about The Alabama Theatre's featured performer, Greg Rowles. If you haven't heard about Greg yet.... you will!

Born in Fredericksburg, VA, Greg has been an active musician since the age of twelve when he started learning to play the mandolin and bass guitar. His compelling combination of talent and passion for music helped him master those instruments and move on to conquering guitar and pedal steel guitar. His versatility and eclectic musical talents are sure to nudge Greg into the realm of country's top showmen.

While honing his musical skills, Greg and his family formed a band called "The Nashville Connection" and they performed for more than ten years together at dance halls in and around the Washington, DC area. During this time he pursued a secondary education in music, but the out of state colleges that accepted him were too expensive. He earned his degree in business administration from a local college and opened his own company.

While consulting for builders and developers in the Virginia/Maryland region, Greg never let his dream die. He began subscribing to the Nashville Tennessean and keeping up with the goings on in Music City because he knew he would be there soon. "I had a lot of belief in myself, but my wife Brandee has always been the biggest believer in me," he said. Watching TNN one night in Virginia, he saw an ad for auditions at Opryland. Seeing Opryland as an opportunity to open some musical doors for him, he called and set up an audition. "I was extremely nervous. I sang "I Can't Stop Loving You" for the audition and I thought it was a disaster." Opryland offered Greg a job that day so it obviously went better than he thought. Greg performed at Opryland for three years and was one of the park's biggest crowd pleasers. While performing at Opryland, Greg impressed scores of people with his dynamic stage presence and charisma. He has performed in shows with Ricky Scaggs, Lee Greenwood, Louise Mandrell and Patty Loveless. Charlie Daniels asked him to perform two years in a row at his annual Christmas party. The pinnacle of Greg's career though, was when he was invited to perform on "The Grand Ole Opry" by one of his heroes, Porter Wagoner. "It was overwhelming to sing on that stage. Being a student of country music I truly had an appreciation of the honor that I had been bestowed." Since that first performance Greg has graced the stage at the Opry numerous times. That sincere and enthusiastic appreciation for the founders of country music is what has helped Greg define his very own signature style. Citing influences the likes of Conway Twitty, Faron Young, Marty Stuart, George Strait, and Ernest Tubb, Greg said, "I enjoy performing some of the old standards just to watch the crowd's reaction, knowing the power of some songs to bring back so many memories. I know in my heart that there is room out there for me and hopefully I can create some of my own memories for people who love country music." There should not be any doubt that there is room for Greg Rowles in the world of music. He is a former male vocalist of the year from Ed McMahon's Star Search, a show with a great history and track record for recognizing many talents that have gone on to be major superstars. "My experience on Star Search was incredible. It gained me so much exposure and television experience that prepared me for the next step of entertaining." Greg went on to appear for nine weeks of tough competition. The Grand Prize of $25,000 was not the victory though. As he pointed out the importance of the victory was the fact that it was the first time in the history of Star Search that the fans voted on their favorite performer. Eighteen million votes were cast and when Ed McMahon made the announcement it was Greg whom he announced as the champion.

The most influential vote for Greg came from Colonel Tom Parker, the late manager of Elvis Presley. Parker had been watching Star Search when he saw Greg's performance. He recognized Greg's natural ability to perform, and this prompted him to ask for a meeting in Las Vegas. That meeting spawned an instant friendship up to the Colonel's untimely passing. "The Colonel gave me so much invaluable advice that only a few have been privileged to know. He truly was a genius when it came to promoting an artist. He let me know that he believed in me and that his door was always open if I needed his advice or assistance. I'll never forget he and his wife, Loann's hospitality.

Since the Star Search win, Greg has made dozens of television appearances on "Music City Tonight", "The Grand Ole Opry Live", "TNN Country News", and other talk shows. He served as the spokesperson for the prevention of child abuse for the state of Tennessee as well as performed many charity concerts for school programs around the country. "The true reward in life is being able to give back what you have been given. Greg has hosted two television pilots, "Country On-Line" and "Horsin' Around" which are being shopped to television networks both here and overseas. His writing skills have come full circle with his first cut as a songwriter. "Love" is the name of the song and new pop group, The Moffatts, has recorded it. The album as of this date has sold over one million units worldwide, selling gold in twenty-three countries and platinum in six. This composition has thrown him into new audiences as a writer. Look out for the United States release on Capitol Records in May of 1999. The musician in Greg has not rested either. He performed as a steel guitarist on MCA records album for "Big House". This his first master session as a guitarist was quite a thrill for the entertainer but a long time coming. His homework had been done and he passed the test with flying colors. Last year Greg wrote all the music for the EPA special "Living on the Environmental Edge". It premiered in 22 states on Earth Day.

Greg was cast as the leading man in his first independent film titled, "The Look of Love". It will be promoted in early 2003. Another highlight of Greg's illustrious career happened recently when he performed at the Vatican at the request of United States Ambassador, Jim Nicholson. Greg sang at the private residence of the ambassador for the Independence Day celebration in Rome. This all coming from a recommendation by who else, Ed McMahon. One of the last of the true Southern gentlemen, Greg has the wholesome good looks and the willingness to work hard at becoming country music's newest and hottest commodity. "I live to entertain, it is my first love but will always be second to my wife and children whom will always take front row in my life." He is living out his dream taking Myrtle Beach, SC by storm. You can see Greg perform six nights a week at the Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach, SC where he has the duties of emcee as well as featured vocalist and musician.