As a songwriter, producer, and keyboardist, Dean Gant has an impressive list of credits to his name. The talents of this Chicago native, who was also referred to as “Sir” Gant, started manifesting on R&B albums in the 1970s. Gant, who studied classical and jazz piano at the city’s American Conservatory of Music, composed and played for Stargard, Linda Clifford, and The Invisible Man’s Band. The latter was a continuation of The Five Stairsteps, consisting of the Burke Brothers, who scored a top-10 R&B hit with “All Night Thing,” co-penned by Gant.
An exceptional and highly-respected session musician, Gant who enjoyed working in a diverse, creative circle, contributed his music magic to the Spinners, Stephanie Mills, Larry Graham, The Temptations, Anita Baker (he arranged “Sweet Love” which won a Grammy for Best R&B Song), Maurice White, The O’Jays, Bill Withers, Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle, Teddy Pendergrass, Vesta, TLC, Deborah Cox, Curtis Mayfield, En Vogue, Monica, Phyllis Hyman, Ce Ce Peniston, Randy Crawford, Rebbie Jackson, The Jones Girls, Madonna (on her self-titled debut LP) and Keni Burke—on his breakthrough solo classic, “Risin’ to the Top.” In the ‘90s, he remained prolific, expanding his scope with remixes of hits such as TLC’s “Waterfalls” and Mark Morrison’s “Return of the Mack,” as well as production for The Whispers and Melba Moore. He was a frequent guest lecturer at Georgia State University, sharing his vast experience with aspiring producers and artists.
In more recent years, Gant independently released the smooth jazz-oriented album The Journey, recorded at his Los Angeles-based studio. His sophisticated playing style and acute ear for engaging song structure and production will live on through the hundreds of songs on which he contributed his distinctive talents. Sir Dean Gant died April 25, 2020, at the age of 67. Legends are defined by their work and how it impacts the culture. We remember “Sir” Dean Gant so others don’t forget.
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