Greg’s engaging voice and contagious smile have drawn in radio, television, and LIVE audiences for years as a broadcast personality and performer, but it’s the story behind his success that is most inspiring. His performances and music both mirror the unique life that Greg has lead, facing each challenge with determination and a smile. That joy and confident outlook come from a strong faith and a supportive family.
Greg was born in Seattle to young parents having their very first child. Though they were surprised and shocked to see their new baby born missing half of his left arm at birth, they were committed to persevere and instill a sense of meaning and purpose! Despite being born with what was commonly referred to in that day and age as a “birth defect,” Greg says he was taught to not be defined by labels but to do what he can to redefine them.
He developed a love for music and started playing trumpet in grade school. In high school, Greg started writing, singing, and recording his own songs. He then got his first stage opportunity singing with his band, “Bob Knob & the Dinks,” and he was hooked… literally! He kept working on those skills moving into the college years and was given even more opportunities with world-class mentor (Morrie Pedersen~Pierce College) and Grammy-winning musicians through his continued education. Greg’s intrigue in technology also grew, working with multi-track recording systems, filming events, and writing and recording.
Greg’s first interaction on television was in high school… being captured by the cameras of televisions Wide World of Sports and ESPN while competing in the 1985 National Handicapped Ski Championships. That same year Greg appeared in the pages of Golf Digest after hitting a “one-handed” hole-in-one. He later played for the World Cup Soccer Tournament in 1994 with the U.S. Amputee exhibition team.
That interaction with media and technology created an interest that would develop into a career. Greg then went on to get his Broadcast Journalism degree from Western Washington University. That resulted in opportunities in both radio and television. Greg started behind the scenes in TV part-time… while
also working a radio job at KLYN (now Praise 106.5). Opportunities behind the camera eventually turned into a full-time gig in front as both a weather reporter and anchor for “NewsView,” on KVOS-TV. Many also recognize him from ads, features, and especially the WeatherView hourly updates he performed for most of his near 17-year career there. In 2021 Greg returned to radio for a few years with Praise 106.5 as co-host of their morning show before being let go due to corporate “restructuring.” (Hear Greg’s goodbye)
In addition to his broadcast years… he’s also been behind the microphone in a variety of songs, promos, jingles, audio books, and commercials.
Greg has also performed across North America and around the world. He got his first big musical break while working as a videographer at a large music festival (Sonfest). The stage manager of the event happened to hear Greg sing at his church and convinced the promoter to give him a chance behind the main stage microphone. The surprise response to that simple acapella solo led to his first CD, radio airplay, and concert tours including that same festival as an artist and stage emcee for the next several years. From small chapels to large festivals, to his largest audience of over 30,000 while singing the National Anthem for the Seattle Mariners. Greg has recorded five solo albums and is also featured on a variety of projects by other artists and various artist compilations like “Christmas in the Northwest 10.” His latest solo album is “The Sound of Christmas.”
Today Greg is in the midst of trying to set a World Record! His goal is to gather as many singers, instrumentalists, choirs, churches, and bands as possible around the world to record their own versions of “Amazing Grace.” The challenge is to solidify “Amazing Grace” as the “Most Recorded Song” of all time. This is in part to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Amazing Grace and to give it its proper place in history.
All along, Greg has harnessed his broadcast, entertainment, marketing, and media talents to help his clients reach an ever-broadening audience. Hook & Pan Productions continues to set the stage for success, creating audio and video productions that catch attention and turn heads… for all the right reasons! Click here to see how we can do this for you.
Greg is married to his sweetheart of over 30 years and teacher extraordinaire, Karin Otterholt. They have three amazingly gifted and talented boys who are on their own career paths now as well. Ryan is working in the technology sector, Evan is a Computer Engineer, and Eli Otterholt also has a passion for creativity, and his music can be heard on most music streaming services as well.
Ask Greg about his life story and he’ll tell you it’s not about the accomplishments, but it’s about the credits. He says, “I have to give credit where it’s due. God has blessed with gifted mentors, friends, and an amazing family! They’ve been proof of God’s grace beyond what I could have ever asked or imagined by surrounding me with such amazing people throughout my life! I was born unfinished, and incomplete so that He could continue this work-in-progress right in front of me. That’s been the evidence to me that there IS a plan and a purpose behind it all.” Psalm 139:13-18, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
“I’ve been blessed with an incredible family that encourages me and friends and mentors who have accepted me the way God made me. God doesn’t make mistakes but includes imperfections. Perhaps, so that we can see that we’re only made complete through Him.”
Romans 10:9-10, John 3:16-21, Phil. 4:11-13
Greg shares a story that enlightens and inspires… with songs that encourage and entertain… from an eternally positive perspective.
Hear the story in song below: (It reflects the story of a man born blind John 9:1-3, and the crowd asking Jesus who was at fault.)
“Who Strengthens You” from the Black & White Portrait album.
Find the rest of the music here.