Al DeGregoris: A Life in Contemporary Jazz, Creativity, and Giving Back

Dallas, Texas – March, 16, 2026 – Contemporary jazz keyboardist and songwriter Al DeGregoris has spent decades shaping a musical career defined by melody, collaboration, and a commitment to the craft of songwriting. With nine Top-40 hits on the Billboard Smooth Jazz charts, including six in the Top-20, De Gregoris has built a reputation as a composer whose work balances sophisticated harmony with accessible grooves that resonate with listeners around the world.

Recently, DeGregoris sat down with acclaimed saxophonist and host Paula Atherton for an in-depth conversation on The Paula Atherton Show, offering fans a rare look into the influences and experiences that have shaped his career. The full interview is now available to watch on the Paula Atherton Channel, giving audiences an opportunity to hear directly from the artist about his journey through music.

A Musical Path That Began Early

For DeGregoris, music was never a distant pursuit, it was part of daily life from the very beginning. He began playing piano at just four years old, inspired after watching his older sister take lessons. When she finished practicing, the young musician famously asked if it was his turn. That moment sparked a lifelong connection to the instrument.

By age six, he had already added the saxophone to his musical toolkit. Though the instrument seemed almost as large as he was at the time, the experience helped shape his understanding of melody and phrasing. As he describes it, music became something instinctive, so natural that sitting at a piano felt as ordinary as walking.

Education and the Birth of Electronic Sound

DeGregoris continued his musical development at Hofstra University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree and performed with the university’s Jazz Repertory Company. One of the most memorable aspects of that time was studying under Herbert A. Deutsch, a pioneering figure in electronic music who helped develop the revolutionary Moog synthesizer alongside Robert Moog.

Through Deutsch, DeGregoris had the chance to experiment with an early prototype of the instrument, an assembly of oscillators, filters, and patch cables that allowed musicians to create entirely new sounds. In the studio and on stage, the experience offered a glimpse into the future of music technology and composition.

Building Studios and Crafting Songs

Beyond performing and composing, DeGregoris has long been involved in the technical side of music production. During the 1980s he designed and operated Starmix Recording Studios, a 48-track analog facility that was later featured in Mix Magazine.

The studio allowed him to explore recording techniques at a time when the industry was transitioning from analog tape to digital production. Although economic shifts in the recording business eventually led him to move away from running a commercial studio, the experience deepened his understanding of sound design and arrangement, skills that continue to shape his music today.

Recognition and Songwriting Success

Throughout his career, DeGregoris has received recognition for his songwriting, including honors from the American Song Festival, the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and the Billboard Magazine World Song Contest.

Yet, as he shared in his conversation with Atherton, songwriting remains an ongoing exploration. Each composition is the result of experimentation—sometimes changing a single note or chord voicing to unlock a new musical direction. Even after decades of experience, he approaches every new idea with the curiosity of someone still discovering the possibilities within a melody.

Sharing Knowledge with the Next Generation

Education has also become an important part of DeGregoris’s work. He developed a BOCES-certified educational workshop that brings professional musicians into high schools to lead masterclasses on songwriting, performance, and life in the music industry.

The program culminates with a live concert featuring both the band and participating students. For many young musicians, the opportunity to perform alongside professionals can be transformative, building confidence and demonstrating the real-world possibilities of a life in music.

Music for a Cause

DeGregoris also uses his platform to support charitable efforts. One of his most meaningful projects is the annual Jazz for Guide Dogs benefit concert at Adelphi University, which raises funds for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and America’s VetDogs.

The event brings together musicians, sponsors, and supporters to raise awareness and funding for service dogs that assist visually impaired individuals and veterans with disabilities. The evening combines live music, community engagement, and the chance to meet the remarkable animals whose training changes lives.

Watch the Full Conversation

De Gregoris’s appearance on The Paula Atherton Show offers an engaging look at the creativity, perseverance, and humor that define his career. From early stories about oversized saxophones to reflections on songwriting and mentorship, the interview highlights the passion that continues to drive his work.

The full interview can now be viewed on the Paula Atherton Channel, and more information about De Gregoris’s music, performances, and projects can be found at:

For fans of contemporary jazz and aspiring musicians alike, the conversation is a reminder that a lifelong dedication to music can lead not only to artistic success, but also to opportunities to inspire and give back.

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