THE FELLAS
Gregory Williams
After the break-up of "White Heat," determined to chase his dreams and stay in the music/entertainment business, Gregory envisioned and soon after formed his own band. Greg states “my vision was to have a band of multi-talented musicians, where each man fluently played more than one instrument; each man must have the ability to sing lead and background vocals strong enough to be a soloist on his own right; a band of very attractive men and above all else, strong men with like minds, like temperaments and like dreams. Each member must possess a willingness and determination to stick it out through the good, the bad and the ugly, which was sure to come while in quest of big dreams!” Gregory, took to task, handpicked each man who would travel side-by-side on what would become a magical life-long journey. His vision was realized in December 1976 with the emergence of a 7-man unit destined to become Switch!
THE FELLAS
Phillip Ingram
Phillip Ingram was born in 1958 and raised in Akron, Ohio. He comes from a musical family. There
are 6 children who all sing and play an instrument but only 2 of the family decided to do music for
a living, that is James Ingram and Phillip Ingram. In December of 1976 the band SWITCH was formed. Phillip is one of the original members. Since 1984 Phillip decided to go behind the scenes and has worked with various artists on many records, has also worked on many films and commercials, and has also written songs for various artists.
Eddie Fluellen
Eddie Fluellen. Hailing from Akron, Ohio, he is a recording artist, writer, and producer whose musical versatility knows no limits and now Host/Producer. He began his musical journey at eight years old with lessons in classical piano. By 16, he became proficient on trombone. At 20, he helped co-found what would become Motown Records' gold and platinum selling recording artist, SWITCH. Eddie has spent his time performing and touring with numerous acts, becoming music director for a number of them. Currently residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, Eddie continues his musical endeavors by performing, directing, accompanying, writing, arranging and producing in a variety of musical genres. He also teaches piano and trombone, mentoring the future generation of musicians. While still being called upon by many local and national acts, Eddie Fluellen has an eye to the future in the music industry.
Michael McGloiry
Michael actually began working with Switch in 1977 as their session guitarist on 90% of their recordings during their tenure at Motown Records; thus adding to their original sound. While working with his writing, production partner Jermaine Jackson, Switch needed a guitar player, Michael was available so he began recording with Switch on their very first record; and with the exception of a small few Michael played and was even featured on each album. Michael is completely self-taught. He reads music and plays by ear. His father was his greatest influence and encouraged him when he became frustrated. He stays busy doing music for commercials, television and radio. His life is also full with family. He likes to travel. Being an urban kid he is not a big camper. Camping for him is staying in a hotel and ordering room service. His favorite record is “I Call Your Name” The years have been good to him because he has grown as an artist. He feels blessed to still be here and doing the things that he likes.
Akili Nickson
Although at a very young age the music in Akili consumed him, Akili has a Law degree and he juggles his musical career with his profession as a Los Angeles attorney Akili is the newcomer to Switch, stepping in to fill the shoes of Bobby DeBarge his idol, a role he had been training for at a very young age. As a youngster he would listen to the Switch and DeBarge records and sing along. Through a mutual friend, Akili met and sent a demo of songs that he had written and recorded to Gregory Williams. Williams called him to arrange a meeting and he flew out to Los Angeles immediately and the rest is history. Akili states “when you are standing on stage between Gregory Williams, Phillip Ingram and Eddie Fluellen singing Switch’s songs, you can either sing them or you can’t. They have incredible songs and you really have to go to church on them”. He states “I’ve always intended to return to music after I received his degrees, but what an incredible return!”
Tefere Hazy
I'm a drummer for LTD and...have been performing with other great acts but L T D is home , I have been with the group for 12 years and had the pleasure sharing what made L T D stand alone. I am a writer, vocalist, arranger and producer and studio musician, I have had the pleasure of performing with The Emptions, Teena Marie,Brian McKnight, Wayne Vaughn of E W F to name a few, Unkal Funkie Tefere H.
James Strong
Raised and educated in Indianapolis, In. Graduate of Indiana University School of Business with Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Finance. James has maintained over a 30 year career the the music industry, traveling the world performing, Musical Directing, producing and recording for some of the Entertainment industry’s best such LL Cool J, Stephanie Mills, New Edition, Johnny Gill, En Vogue, Monica, Tupac, and others. He is currently the bassist and member of Motown recording artist Switch, he is also Professor of Practice and current Director of the IU Soul Revue at Indiana University Bloomington.
Bobby DeBarge
Robert Louis "Bobby" DeBarge, Jr. (March 5, 1956 - August 16, 1995) was a musician and co-lead vocalist of Motown recording arist, Switch. He was also the mentor behind his younger siblings who formed the musical group DeBarge and was the biggest influence amongst its members. After moving to Grand Rapids in the early 1970s, he began playing in bands in the local area. A gifted singer and pianist since childhood, Bobby befriended fellow musician Gregory Williams and after playing the Grand Rapids music circuit for a time, they signed to Barry White's music production company, Soul Unlimited Productions as members of the group White Heat. In 1976, White dropped the group and various other acts from his company’s roster, but kept the name and group's Bassists as part of White's Love Unlimited Orchestra. Soon after that, White Heat broke-up. Later, Greg pulled together new members and created the group Switch, which eventually was signed to Motown after he and (ex-White Heat member) Jody Sims gave a demonstration tape to Jermaine Jackson, formerly of the Jackson 5.
Tommy DeBarge
Tommy DeBarge Switch’s bassist and vocalist is best known for his unique funky grooves and pop sensibility; and like his older brother Bobby and Greg Williams, was raised in Grand Rapids, MI He is a self-taught bassist, songwriter and keyboard player. Tommy, the third eldest of the 10 DeBarge siblings, journey to becoming a bassist to be reckoned with also began in his uncle’s church in Grand Rapids. His father, Robert DeBarge Sr. (who was a strong influence and encouragement to him as he grew up) plays piano, his mother Etterlene Rodriquez is a gospel singer and his other living 8 siblings, well you know the story. Since leaving Switch in 1983, to join his younger brothers, Marty, James and Randy in yet, the third version of DeBarge, Tommy frequently performed with his brothers El and Chico but spends most of his time writing and producing with his wife and developing the musical talents of their children. He currently lives in San Bernadino, Ca.
SWITCH, DEBARGE, MOTOWN & ME
The best selling autobiography of Gregory Williams, founder of multi-platinum selling band, SWITCH.