We lost another legend this week. Greg Campbellock Jr (born Greg Pope) passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2010. He is considered an influential figure in the history of locking. As a member of “The Lockers,” he was part of a group that pioneered the way for street dancers in mainstream media with appearances on Saturday Night Live, Soul Train, the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and performances at Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall. Formed in 1973, they built on the locking style that was originally created by Don “Campbellock” Campbell. The members contributed steps and choreography ideas inspired by their own styles and personalities. Greg was one of these members along with Fred “Mr. Penguin” Berry, Bill “Slim the Robot” Williams, Leo “Fluky Luke” Williamson, Toni Basil, and Adolfo “Shabba Doo” Quinones. There were additional members who substituted in the group through the years.
Known as a generous figure within the street dance community, his influence on the current generation of lockers continues to be felt worldwide. He was a mentor and a contest judge at locking events. In summer 2009, he sponsored an elite locking camp in Las Vegas for new school dancers who wanted to train.
You can see a clip of a memorial video for Greg here, created by Legend of the Soul Brothers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1clq-lyZq60
Word of his passing traveled quickly among the LA street dance community in a matter of hours; through phone calls, text messages, status updates on Facebook, and tweets. Many folks have come together to show their love and support for Greg and his family. At Homeland, there is a fundraiser planned for the family to cover their needs. What Greg brought to the spirit of locking will remain in his students. For that, we are grateful. Thank you, Greg, for all that you gave us.
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