Gavin DeGraw Chooses the Yamaha Clavinova

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 27, 2005) — You can’t turn on the radio today without hearing one of Gavin DeGraw’s hit songs such as “I Don’t Wanna Be” or “Chariot.” Despite his rampant and spreading success, DeGraw remains humble and sticks to his musical roots and natural talent as a singer, pianist and songwriter.

Gavin Degraw
Yamaha Artist Gavin DeGraw
Yamaha artist DeGraw is fresh off the success of his debut album, and gaining more fans every day. DeGraw, who plays several instruments, favors Yamaha instruments including the C7 piano. His hit video “I Don’t Wanna Be” features a Yamaha piano, and while performing in concert and in the studio, he uses the Yamaha ES6 and ES8 Motifs. Currently, DeGraw’s favorite Yamaha instrument is the Clavinova CLP175 digital piano.

The CLP175 elegantly harmonizes grand piano aesthetics with the power and advanced functionality of Yamaha digital piano technology. The Clavinova features a “Natural Keyboard” with wooden keys and iAFC (Instrumental Active Field control). The CLP175 also combines outstanding response and breathtakingly realistic sound in a beautiful grand piano style wood cabinet.

DeGraw grew up playing music at home, began piano studies at eight and later played in cover bands with his older brother in upstate New York. A few years later, DeGraw, who had been writing his own songs, decided to make a go of it as a singer/songwriter in New York. Upon his arrival in the late ‘90s, he made an impression with crowds – and journalists – as his name began to pop up in columns and "best-of" lists.

The steady buzz led to offers from major labels, but DeGraw chose to take his time and let his craft develop and his audiences grow. He eventually signed a record deal with Clive Davis and his J Records imprint (home of Santana as well as R&B mainstays Alicia Keys and Angie Stone). DeGraw's debut, Chariot, arrived in the summer of 2003 and, like his early days in New York City, it slowly built momentum and it is now one of the top albums as sales are constantly growing every day.

For more information on Yamaha Corporation of America’s Artist Affairs division, please contact Tiffany Napper at tnapper@yamaha.com or 615-599-0800. Yamaha’s ever-growing list of artists can be viewed by going to www.yamahaartists.com.

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