MOVERS AND SHAKERS: John Gillette, Entertainer and Singer

Exciting, Vibrant, Dynamic, Artist, are just a few of the words that anyone who has ever met or seen John Gillette would use to describe his personality and the aura he projects on-stage. In actuality, words like these only begin to scratch the surface of how unique this natural-born entertainer really is and how much talent and ability he exudes with each well-delivered note he sings, or each isolated dance move he executes. The reason John makes his performances look effortless is because his journey to develop into the exciting entertainer he is today started almost as soon as he could walk.

John Gillette was born on a U.S. Air Force base in Bitburg, Germany. At the age of three, John's family moved back to the States to a small town in Michigan and then subsequently to Montgomery, Alabama where John spent most of his childhood years. Even at a young age, John's family realized that he displayed an extroverted personality and embraced attention. He loved to spend hours making up his own dance routines and performances, and performing them for his parents, family members, friends, and anyone else who would watch. However, the idea that he should pursue the dream of becoming a successful recording artist didn't materialize until after he had already made his commitment to another career choice. Upon graduating from high school a full year early, John made the decision to follow in his father's footsteps and enlisted into the United States Air Force, just shy of his 17th birthday. While serving his country in the military, John worked as an Aerospace Propulsion Apprentice on classified F-15 Fighter engines. It is here that John began lending his voice for military functions and was discovered by his Base Commander soon after performing the National Anthem for his squadron. John sang with enough conviction and inspiration that the same Commander requested him to sing at all base functions permanently, which he continued to do for the remaining two and a half years of his enlistment until he was given an honorary discharge.

Inspired by his love of music and bolstered by the experience he gained while performing in the military, John decided to move to North Hollywood, California to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Having already become an accomplished dancer, he immediately started teaching hip-hop dance classes at a dance studio in order to earn a living while simultaneously improving his choreography skills. It was at this time that he became friends with some of the most talented and renowned choreographers; such as Wade Robson, Shane Sparks and Stephen Twitcha Boss. It was through the inspiration and cooperative work with these men that John was able to quickly make a name for himself on the dance scene.

While John was performing and traveling in New York City, an opportunity presented itself in the form of a chance meeting with Say-More Productions; a production team who has worked with some of the industry's hottest artists including Aaliyah and Mary J. Blige among others.

From the moment Say-More Productions worked with John, they knew that his attention to detail, inexhaustible work ethic, and magnetic personality would help him rise to the top of the music industry. What was even more impressive was the fact that John seemed to be a relentless learner who was committed to learning, growing and improving everyday as a recording artist and songwriter, even as he continued to gain even greater recognition for his choreography and showmanship.

As a result, John's passion for singing and dancing has already opened many doors to a host of exciting opportunities. His resume is extensive and carries highlights that include dancing for the US Olympics, as well as at major PR events for global corporations like Honda, IBM and JCPenney. He has choreographed and danced Off-Broadway and opened for recording artist DJ Unk. Currently, John teaches dance across the country, and is considered an expert who is constantly invited to judge dance competitions nationwide.

Additionally, John dances and choreographs for the NBA Denver Nuggets Cheerleading Squad and has also formally choreographed for the NFL pro-football cheerleading squad, The New Orleans Saintsations.

To-date, John is singing, dancing, and writing songs that will appear on his debut album. Most recently, he has been given the opportunity to work with the famed production/artist duo of Midi Mafia, notorious for working with acts such as 50 Cent, David Archuleta, Lloyd Banks, Brandy, Nelly, G-Unit, and Angie Martinez and several others. John is very excited about the tracks he has recorded with Midi-Mafia and expects them to be a part of his debut album. As his star continues to rise and grow brighter, look for John Gillette to become a household name in the very near future.

Peachy Deegan interviewed John Gillette for Whom You Know.

Peachy Deegan:What is your first musical memory?
John Gillette: The movie "Breakin"

What was it like growing up in a military family?
It was good. I didn't mind anything from it. I only moved from my location once. It
wasn't like we were constantly moving and i was always losing friends. My father was closing his career, so it went well. I learned alot of great things about professionalism from being a military kid.

What are your favorite kinds of aircraft and why?
I'm biased to F-15 E models because i worked on them. But the F-22 Raptor is crazy man. Also, everything on the engine is quick release. I can't begin to tell
you how nice that is.

How were you picked to sing the national anthem?
I was working on an engine on the flight line and i was singing a maxwell song when my superior heard me and asked me to sing at the promotion ceremony. From there me and my partner became the talk of the base and soon we were singing for the commander all the time.

Do you like entertaining or flying better?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE entertaining! It's what I was put here for!

What are you proudest of?
This isn't a fair question. I'm proud of a lot of things and it would seriously depend on which aspect of my life you were referring to.

Do you like singing, dancing or choreographing better and why?
That's a hard one too. I like them all equally, but even more so.. i like to
produce! I like to be the guy that puts it all together and then also performs it. Musically, and choreograpy!

What is the most difficult aspect of choreographing?
For me it would be blocking and transitioning. Choreo itself is a no-brainer.

What are your future goals?
Just to be remembered and to make a difference.

What is your favorite place to be in NYC?
Mid Town I'd love to be on Broadway one day ! !

What is your favorite shop?
Urban Outfitters

What is your favorite drink?
Always Coca Cola

What is your favorite restaurant?
Budda Bar, California Pizza Kitchen

What is your favorite NYC book?
There's a book in Urban that is all about graffitti...not sure if it's from the ny...but it's dope!

What is your favorite thing to do in NYC that you can do nowhere else?
Debate lyrics with my producer "lyrickal". I don't take much time to do things in NY. I work hard. I'm addicted to working, so now and then we just wild out and debate whose a stronger lyricist between iconic artists...hahaha.

What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
Pizza is SUPER OVERRATED IN NY!! people also never see how hard people in ny work just to make a dollar. The drive of a new yorker is underrated!

What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I'm just a guy from Montgomery, AL who is trying to leave his mark on history using
the blessings that were given to him. Nothing more, nothing less.

How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
I would love to hear from any reader!!! email me at
myinfo@johngilletteonline.com