Grantley Haynes: A Visionary in Music and Mentorship
Early Years and Musical Journey
Grantley Haynes, also known as GT, is a passionate and dedicated music producer, mentor, and entrepreneur whose journey through the music industry spans decades of hard work, creative innovation, and a relentless drive to help others reach their full potential. GT’s story begins in the 1980s, when he first made his mark working alongside iconic artists like Tippa Irie, Pato Banton, and Peter Spence. His talent for production quickly became apparent, earning him a reputation for creating timeless tracks. Over the years, GT has worked with a wide range of artists, honing his craft and expanding his influence in the music world.
Mentorship and Nurturing Talent
Beyond his technical expertise, GT is widely known for his ability to mentor and guide the next generation of talent. Believing in the power of second chances, his approach to mentorship is rooted in a genuine desire to see others succeed. His commitment to nurturing young artists and helping them find their voice in the industry has made him a beloved figure. GT’s extensive network and creative thinking have opened doors for many aspiring musicians, contributing to their growth and success.
Innovation and Community Engagement
Throughout his career, GT has consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation. From his humble beginnings recording in a small home studio to becoming a key figure in shaping the careers of emerging artists, GT has always believed in the importance of collaboration and shared growth. His leadership extends beyond music, where he has led initiatives like Birmingham’s crack cocaine strategy, driving transformational change in public and private sector projects, particularly in substance misuse.
Leadership and Advocacy
In addition to his work in the music industry, GT serves as a non-executive board member in the non-profit sector. He advocates for equality and inclusion, ensuring that these principles guide his leadership and initiatives. His strategic leadership and commitment to encouraging inclusive environments have earned him respect across industries.
Educational and Professional Achievements
Holding an MBA, Grantley combines business acumen with creative expertise to lead innovative, community-focused projects. His work has been recognised by influential figures such as Prime Minister Gordon Brown and MP Liam Byrne, further highlighting his contributions to both the music industry and social impact.
A True Friend and Visionary
GT is not just a music professional; he is a true friend, a dedicated mentor, and a visionary. His passion for music and unwavering belief in the potential of others have made him a pillar of the music industry and an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to make their mark. Through his hard work, perseverance, and generous spirit, Grantley Haynes continues to leave a lasting impact on the music world and beyond.
Mental Health Foundation NHS Trust
Communications, Marketing and Community Engagement Manager
- Initiated and implemented a series of transformational community development plans
- Reimagined the relationships between the NHS and key stakeholders
- Developed a range of policy initiatives, including FA coaching, healthy living and land volunteers
- Changed the financial profile that underpinned service delivery
- Wrote, developed and participated in the training programmes, including negotiation and fundraising
- Monitored and shaped the performance management tools for the entire division
- Presented policy documents and transformational change programmes internally and externally
- Generated new business and brought in significant amounts of funding
- Ensured the services delivered were in keeping with internal, regional and national policy
- Consistently exceeded the performance measures expected of me
The Wheeler Street Young Entertainers and Entrepreneurs in Action
CEO and Senior Practitioner
- Created and built an end-to-end youth charity supporting young people in deprived parts of Birmingham
- Developed and supported 123 individual programmes incorporating theatre, music production and rap
- Built a non-executive board of eight members, including the chair and deputy chair, to support the business
- Developed HM Government (Prevent) Far Right training for Birmingham City Council (BCC), National Health Service (NHS), the wider community and staff
2007: Created the Wheeler Street Young Entertainers
Developed and managed a team of service delivery agents and coordinated and developed a series of promotional events, including black-tie fundraising evenings. Sourced funding streams, created the board, worked with stakeholders and developed networks
2000: Founded Haynes Training, delivering training in the UK and internationally
Lectured at Birmingham University, Westhill and Newman Colleges, University of Central England and University of Leicester (Scarman Centre) and across the West Indies.
1998: Founded GT Music Management Agency
Received global recognition for management achievements as the principal producer of three top 10 singles and the executive producer for five album projects.
Career Highlights
- Received a commendation from Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Liam Byrne, MP
- The City of Birmingham Crack Cocaine Strategy 2005 -2008 Published (2005)
- Crack Cocaine: Concerns of Families & Friends (Leicester University, Scarman Centre) 1998
- From Los Angeles to The Bronx: A Study of Crack Cocaine Services in Los Angeles CA, the Bronx New York and the West Indies’ (Northern Birmingham Mental Health NHS Trust) 1999
- Training for Specialist & Non-Specialist Drug Workers (HM Prisons East & West Midlands CARAT Workers)
- Commissioned by the Chief Executive Birmingham Health Authority, “Primary Care Groups, Substance Misuse & Collaborative Partnerships” (Research Project)
- Consultant to Sheffield Drugs Project, Crack Cocaine Prevalence & Needs Assessment (Research Project)
Education
- 1996 – BPhil (ED) Birmingham University Westhill College
- 1999 – Master of Arts – Criminology
- 2007 – Certificate in Social Care Commissioning and Contracting
- 2009 – Master of Business Administration
History
GT’s Records
GT’s Records was founded by Grantley Haynes in September 1983 with Pato Banton’s ‘Never Give In’ Album production. The album was immediately licensed to ‘Primitive Man Records in the USA and then taken over by Mile Copland and Jay Boberg’s IRS Records, a subsidiary of MCA Records USA. GT’s follow-up production came with the release of Peter Spence’s ‘Don’t Leave Me Lonely’ and Hit Album ‘I’ll Be There’, Tippa Irie’s @Ah Me Dis’ and ‘Saphpia and Steel’ by Tippa Irie and Peter Spence, which also were subsequently licensed to IRS Records USA and Island Records UK. GT rebranded in June 2014 with a new brand of talented artists in the UK and will now operate as a company that produces artists, bands and personalities that play good quality popular music of all genres. ‘We Just Gotta Like It’!
My Boyz Beatz
My Boyz Beatz is an artist/songwriting/production/composition/development outfit brought together by Grantley Haynes to provide an end-to-end pathway for vocalists and musicians into the entertainment industry, with millions of performing art ideas running around his head (founder Grantley GT Haynes). In the summer of 2004, he called on his longtime friend and business partner Keith Brown, Chair of The Wheeler Street Young Entertainers in Action and several world-class musicians. He suggested professionally forming the team My Boyz and My Boyz Beatz. While working to get her on a youth outreach bus, his son Jason (Jbeatz0121) suggested he reignite his musical passion after a 16-year hiatus. My Boyz Beatz is GT's Records's primary artist and producer - www.gtsrecords.co.uk from Birmingham, England, formed by GT following conversations with Keith Brown. GT is a well-known personality in the British Reggae Industry, known for managing, producing, and touring some of the biggest names in the British Music Industry and beyond, such as Grammy Winners UB40, Steel Pulse, Grammy-nominated Pato Banton, Tippa Irie, and a whole host more... With My Boyz Beatz, GT” focused on developing musically talented young people and collaborating with more experienced artists working together to become entrepreneurs.
