Gregg Sutton
Gregg Sutton was a world class songwriter, singer, bass and guitar player, best known for having co-written the 1988 hit ballad, “Stop!”, performed by UK artist Sam Brown. Sutton’s accomplished and expansive career has seen his songs recorded by the likes of Joe Cocker, Percy Sledge, Eric Burdon, John Farnham, Heather Small and Joe Bonamassa, to name but a few.
Born and raised in New York, Sutton began his career touring with various bands, during which time he signed a deal with Columbia Records for his artist project. The release of his debut solo album, Soft As a Side-Walk, received critical acclaim and elevated his songwriting status.
In 1985, Sutton joined the country rock band, Lone Justice, and co-wrote the songs “Dreams Come True (Stand Up and Take It)” and “Inspiration” which were included on their second LP Shelter. After the band broke up in 1987, Sutton continued to write with its former lead singer, Maria McKee, for her debut solo album, resulting in the creation of the songs “This Property Is Condemned” and “Breathe”, the latter of which was the album’s lead single.
The collaboration with McKee started a prolific period of songwriting for Sutton, most notable for the composition “Stop!” which was co-written with and recorded by Sam Brown. Upon its release in 1989, Brown’s version of “Stop!” became a global phenomenon, reaching #4 on the UK Singles chart and selling over a million records worldwide. In 2004, four-time MOBO award-winner Jamelia’s cover of the song gained popularity when it was used in the soundtrack for Bridget Jones, the Edge of Reason and went on to become a UK top ten hit.
Off the back of the success of “Stop!”, Sutton partnered up with Curtis Stigers in 1992 to write the sensation “You’re All That Matters to Me”. This became one of Stiger’s biggest singles from his multi-million selling debut album ‘Curtis Stigers’ and reached #6 in the UK chart.