Jerome Grey is a multi-talented musician, entertainer, and composer with
a personality that exudes warmth, humor, and excitement. Performing with
unparalleled versatility in his stage presence and ability to infuse various
musical genres, including jazz, Latin, calypso, country, into his original
Polynesian compositions.His unique style has been further influenced by
legends such as Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Buffett, Harry Belafonte, Julio Iglesias,
and Johnny Cash.Jerome traveled throughout the United States and many parts
of the world, with extensive performances in Las Vegas.Jerome continues
to perform and continues to inspire countless artists around the world.
Born in 1947, Jerome became one of the finest entertainers and showmen
ever to come from the islands of Samoa. His passion for music was exemplified
in his early years. Often seen carrying his guitar to school and taking
part in talent quests, he also enjoyed entertaining passers-by on the streets
of Apia. Through his songwriting, he hoped to share his cultural pride with
the world.
In 1970, Pete Syracuse, (an entrepreneur from Newport Beach, California),
saw Jerome perform live for the first time in Samoa. He was so impressed
by his talent that he offered Jerome a contract to sing in the mainland
U.S. In 1971, Jerome became motivated to enhance his innate gifts. He received
vocal training in Beverly Hills, under the direction of Roger Wolfe, a man
credited for working with celebrities like the late Dean Martin and Tony
Bennett.
In 1973, Jerome formed a trio called the Samoa Three. They were
the first Samoan entertainers to play the elite circuit of Las Vegas, Reno,
and Lake Tahoe, opening for singers including Perry Como and Fats Domino.
Later, he would assemble a new group named Ava, which would break many barriers
and set standards for the next generation of musicians, becoming the first
pop group to emerge from Samoa.
In 1977, Jerome and his wife, Emily, moved back to American Samoa where
they raised their four children. While performing at his father-in-law’s
restaurant, Soli’s, Jerome began to focus more on writing and arranging
Samoan music, as he had already done so with “palagi” or
Western music. At that time, he wrote well known tunes like Eleni,
Naunau I Le Ufi, Siamani, Oute Ofo, Lou Sei Oriana,
and of course, We are Samoa—the unofficial Samoan national anthem
and Jerome's most famous composition.In fact, one of Jerome's career highlights
was the honor of performing We Are Samoa before President Carter
and the United States Congress at the White House and Capitol Hill in 1980.
In 1989, the Grey family moved to Hawai’i from Samoa, where Jerome
performed nightly in beautiful Waikiki, and recorded Sweet Lady of Waiahole
and Coconut Woman. Many songs on these successful albums were instant
radio hits and well received throughout Polynesia. Jerome fondly remembers
a concert he held in 1991 at the historic Aloha Tower, when one of Hawaii’s
famous entertainers, Makaha Sons (featuring the late Israel Kamakawiwaole,
a.k.a. “Bruddah IZ”), played as an opening act.
Jerome currently resides in Southern California, taking time to reminisce
on his rich history, while at the same time, continuously striving to reinvent
himself. Over the years, he has rightfully earned the respect of his colleagues,
and contemporaries with his unforgettable voice, enchanting melodies, and
inspiring lyrics. A family man, musician, entertainer, and composer, he
wears many hats, but not confined by labels. His legacy will continue to
be a mainstay both in Polynesia and around the world for decades to come.
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