Greg Robert

Connor

Greg Connor
(Robert Redstrom)

August 28, 1936 – November 24, 2025

Greg Connor, born Robert Redstrom on August 28, 1936, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025, at Mission Viejo Hospital, at the age of 89. He left this world gently and without pain, surrounded by family and held in the gratitude of all whose lives were brightened by his music.

A gifted singer, songwriter, and recording artist, Greg found his place in the vibrant music scene of the1960s under the stage name Greg Connor. As one half of the duo Kevin & Greg, he recorded spirited singles such as “Boy, You Ought to See Her Now!!!” and “Sparkle,” songs that captured the youthful energy, charm, and optimism of the era. Among the proudest moments of his career was performing “Boy, You Ought to See Her Now” on American Bandstand, where he shared his talent and easy charisma with audiences across the country.

Greg’s path to that stage began in Phoenix, where he was discovered by Lee Hazlewood after headlining a rock and roll show at the Fox Theatre. He was the only Phoenix talent named to perform on a Heart Fund Benefit Show at the KoKo Theater Restaurant, alongside Nat King Cole, Pat O’Brien, Jeff Chandler, Marvin Miller, Connie Moore, Buddy Lester, and others. As The Rainmakers, Kevin &Greg also appeared on Hollywood A Go Go, Shivaree, and Shindig, and recorded with Dorsey Burnette. In Hollywood, they rubbed elbows with the young cowboy stars of the day — Robert Fuller, John Smith of Laramie, and Clint Eastwood. Actor Jeremy Slate, a friend, later took one of Greg’s songs —“How Come Every Time I Itch, I Wind Up Scratchin’ You” — to Glen Campbell, who put it on his 1969 Galveston album, though Greg was never credited for it.

Greg’s love of melody and creative expression remained with him throughout his life. Whether writing songs, performing, or recounting stories from his days in the studio, he carried himself with warmth, humor, and an unmistakable authenticity — mainly in English, but occasionally in the playful version of Spanglish he delighted in. His legacy endures not only in the music he made but in the joy, laughter, and kindness he offered so freely.

In his final moments with his son Bing and his grandson Nolan Crosby, Greg spoke words that reflected the spirit he lived by: “Let me know if I can help in any way. I’m offering my help.” Even at the end, he was thinking of others.

Greg is survived by his son Rick Connor of Pāhoa, Hawaii; his grandson Alex Tait; his stepson Bing Crosby; his stepdaughter Mary Crosby; and his brother Thomas Redstrom. Each carries forward his love, his creativity, and the memory of a man whose presence enriched their lives with music, wisdom, and unwavering warmth.

A small, intimate memorial dinner will be held to honor Greg’s life and celebrate a man who lived creatively, loved deeply, and departed this world peacefully.

May his songs live on forever.