Gregory Allen Artry Jr. was born in Pomona, California. His father, who was a professional session drummer, exposed Greg to the drum set at a very early age. At age 10, Greg and his family moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. It was here that the evidence of his talent began to unfold and Greg was accepted into the fledgling Performing Arts Magnet Program. This initiative allowed him to study a variety of instruments formally, including the cello and voice. After graduating from Broad Ripple High School with honors, Greg was accepted at the University of Louisville (KY) on scholarship. Upon finishing there, Greg returned to Indy and began his professional career working with some of the finest musicians in the world: Melvin Rhyne, Pharez Whitted, Bobby Broom, Slide Hampton, Bobby Watson, Charles McPhearson, Claudio Roditi, Donald Harrison Jr., Syl Johnson, Steve Turre, Victor Goines, Willie Pickens, Sonny Fortune, and many others in cities throughout the United States.