In his early years, there seemed to be nothing
Greg Buchanan could not do when it came to music. He was just three when
his mother- a singer, dancer and Shakespearean actress- sat him
on her lap and began teaching him piano. But the first
harp player in the family was Greg’s older sister Lucy. Greg
watched her play, and at the age of nine, he decided the harp
was for him. It wasn’t long before Greg’s tremendous
music ability put him in the spotlight. As he entered and
won harp competitions, his future seemed very bright – at
least musically.
Naturally gifted to play the harp, he excelled
and progressed quickly. As a young man, he spent four years in the United
States Navy Band stationed in Washington, D.C. Following
his military service, Greg entered the southern California music
scene where he experienced the glamour of professional success. His
personal life, however, was a dark paradox. At the age of 13,
Greg had been introduced to alcohol. This addiction was
now in full control and thrust Greg’s life into the downward
spiral of alcoholism, drug abuse. He dabbled in the occult and
found himself in and out of mental hospitals and jails. In
the fall of 1981, Greg left the music scene and entered college,
determined to reconstruct the fibers of his life that had so
quickly unraveled. During this time, a friend invited Greg
off the streets of Hollywood to a Christian concert. Jesus
Christ entered Greg’s heart that night and the Holy Spirit
began the process of repairing and healing the broken man who
was so desperately searching for a new beginning. Greg
readily gives God credit for everything he has today, and for
bringing him from the depths of worldly living to the triumphant
life he now lives.
Part of God’s provision in Greg’s life
was blessing him with a wonderful wife, Becky. Married
22 years, and blessed with three precious children: Matthew 21,
Erik, 19 and Bree, 16. Occasionally, Becky and the family “brave
the road” to travel with Greg. Both Becky and Greg
are natives of California. They enjoy living in southern
California close to family.
Greg enjoys the privilege of being one of
the first harpists in the world to own and play the Electronic
Acoustic Grand Harp developed and handcrafted by the Lyon and
Healy harp manufacturers of Chicago. The technological enhancements of this newly
introduced instrument take Greg’s music into realms of
expression unattainable with traditional acoustic harps. The
instrument is a modified Salzedo Art Deco design, which was personalized
to accommodate Greg’s specific needs. During many
concert performances, Greg also performs on a Celtic (Irish folk)
harp and a Kin nor (lyre). The uniqueness of Greg’s
stylized playing has made him a popular guest at national and
international workshops. Greg finds great fulfillment in
being able to share not only his musical knowledge but also his
personal walk of faith, thus offering great creative inspiration
to those with whom he works.
God’s calling continues to lead Greg to minister in churches,
school assemblies, pastors’ and worship conferences, crusades,
on television and many other venues. For the past 25 years, God
has called Greg to a life of traveling to spread the Good News,
to encourage pastors and to lead people into the presence of
God through exciting worship and personal testimony. Churches
in the largest cities and smallest of towns have invited Greg
to minister. Each time, God’s Spirit moves! Greg
is energized and encouraged by the people he encounters while
touring. His prayer is that he will be used to encourage
others through his witness and testimony. And, that as
a result, the circle of Christian friendship and faith will continue
to strengthen God’s people.
