Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Katona began studying classical piano in Miami at age ten. When he was in junior high school, his family moved to Los Angeles. There, he was recruited by a number of jazz, pop, and R&B outfits, eventually playing in five different bands at one time.

Having launched his career while still in high school, he crossed into the world of professional music by recording with a major Motown act, which opened the door to a songwriter deal with Motown's Jobete Publishing. While at Motown, he wrote with Mike Campbell, and penned and played on recordings by major artists including the Jacksons and the Temptations.

Katona left Motown and forged a long time alliance with Rick Springfield. Katona was Springfield’s friend and keyboardist during the time of his most highly acclaimed recordings. After Katona's tenure with Springfield, Katona performed and recorded with legendary bands, Rare Earth, Redbone, and later, Jefferson Starship and his own band, Keeper, who was signed to RCA Records.

Throughout his career Katona played with other major acts and also scored and played original music for television and major motion pictures, including the box office smash, “Karate Kid” and Kenny Roger's "Gambler V".

Katona moved to Nashville and founded “The Rock Quarry” studio where he produces up and coming independent acts including Peter Moon, Tony Camus, and alternative band Lampwick as well as major label artists such as Jose Maria Lobo (Warner Latin). Katona continues to write and record his own original music.

“I came to Nashville on the advice of a friend,” says Katona. “I wanted to make pop, rock, r&b, and Latin music in Music City and get some space. I was excited to find a burgeoning culture on the verge of a renaissance in Nashville.

His debut CD, "Reflections Reflexiones", is a spacious and ambitious collection of original compositions. This hot Latin Jazz CD includes some of the best session players in Music City. His recent CD release “Rumors Have It” is a soulful smooth jazz journey that takes you to a romantic world within. It consists of eight vocals and four instrumentals.

Gabriel Katona’s resourcefulness and passion have carved a career path for himself and others that continues to spiral upward. His sensitivity with vision is still going strong with a driving force that motivates and inspires towards a bright future.