Keyboardist Glenn Piper
Zachery Glenn Piper (a.k.a. “GP”) was born May 21, 1975 in Shreveport, LA to Isadora Piper and the late James Piper Jr. He grew up in DeRidder, LA with his brothers: James Spencer Piper and John Marcus Piper. With both parents being singers and his father playing multiple instruments, Glenn grew up in a musical household. There, Glenn got his start in music; he learned to play drums at the age of 4, as his father taught him the importance of rhythm and keeping time. At the age of 7, his father also taught him to play the bass guitar. After a few years, his family formed a gospel group called “The Piper 5”. This group featured Glenn on bass, his brothers Spencer and John on keyboard and drums, both parents singing, and his father on guitar.
Together, the family travelled throughout Louisiana, Texas, and other states. This was Glenn’s first experience as a traveling musician, performing at various churches and concerts. At the age of 14, Glenn also began to teach himself to play piano. Despite playing multiple instruments, Glenn continued with the instrument he learned first: the drums. In 1989, he joined the marching band at DeRidder High School as part of the drumline. He continued this until his junior year. However, the bass guitar was his primary instrument throughout high school; with it, he played in the school’s jazz band. His time in the jazz band introduced Glenn to different styles of music, opening his mind to another world. Glenn spent his entire high school career studying jazz, up until his graduation in 1993.
After graduation Glenn moved to Houston, TX to attend The Art Institute of Houston. There, he studied Music and Video Business and, in 1995, earned his Associate Degree of Applied Science in Audio Engineering/Production. Glenn’s musical journey is still ongoing: today, he produces and plays the piano. Through it all, he has maintained his gospel roots, even as his taste evolves.
Glenn has produced and shared the stage with too many artists to count, including Yolanda Adams, Shirley Ceaser, Eddie Levert, jazz legend Al Jareau, Beyoncé, Anthony Brown, Donnie McClurkin, Dorothy Norwood, Byron Cage, Regina Belle, Chante Moore, Angie Stone, American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, Kem, Ron Isley of the Isley Brothers, Lamar Campbell, actress Vivica A. Fox, actors Richard Roundtree (Shaft), Malik Yoba, Bori Kodjoe, and many more. He recently featured in a commercial that aired before the 2018 Grammy’s (and is still in rotation) for KHOU Houston. With his many talents, Glenn has travelled across the world to places like South Africa, Thailand, Japan, the Bahamas, Iraq, and Canada, among others.
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