Post by Journey2herpast on Mar 15, 2008 15:42:33 GMT -5
Stephen Garrett was raised in a family of musicians. Having sang in the choir, the future songwriter was accompanied by his sister, who played piano; his mother; who was the musical director and his faster was the Pastor.
Eventually, he found success under the tutulage of Jodeci's DeVante Swing and formed relationships with DeVante's Swing Mob. The members consisted of Missy Elliot, Timbaland and Ginuwine. As a member of the R&B group, Playa, Garrett and company worked extensively as songwriters, co-producers and background singers for their colleagues.
Although his biggest success came with writing "Try Again" for Aaliyah, Steve Garrett was also the man behind "Are You That Somebody," "Pony," "So Anxious, "More Than a Woman" and more.
The man behind Blackground Records, Barry Hankerson takes in his lost, "Blackground Records and its staff and affiliate entities are deeply mourning the loss of a great talent and a great human being. It has been a pleasure to work and develop his career as a songwriter and producer. His talent was only surpassed by his loyalty and dedication," he says in a released statement. "It made me so happy to share with him the wealth of the music industry, as well as one of the most personal relationships I have ever had in my 40 year career. I truly loved him and I still do. We will now transfer our love and attention to his family during this difficult time," added Hankerson.
Garrett is survived by his wife, his four children and his music; having most recently went into the studio with Lil' Wayne. The work resulted in "Lollipop," a track written by and featuring Garrett and "I Got My." The latter song is the first official single from The Carter III.
Plans are being made to release his forthcoming album, Suppertime, later this year.
