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At five years old, most people have no idea what they want to do for the rest of their lives. But Providence native Greg Lato grew up with a jazz musician for a father, and he knew right away that becoming a musician was his dream job, too.

At age eight, he started playing the guitar. Two years later, he began writing his own songs and watching MTV to gain inspiration from some of his all-time favorite artists, such as Take That and Hall & Oats.

Throughout his schooling, he learned how to play other instruments, like the drums, bass guitar and piano. He used any outlet he could find to get his music out there, performing in talent shows and participating in drama club. From there, his career took off.

Yesterday, Lato left for Los Angeles to attend the premiere of the new movie “16-Love,” which features his song, “Just Another Goodbye." The romantic teen comedy stars “Pretty Little Liars” actress Lindsey Shaw, and follows her character, Ally Mash, after she is injured and forced to put her career as a tennis star on hold to live the teenage life she never had.

Some people are destined for the careers they have chosen. Greg Lato is one of those people. “I’m a songwriter first, and a performer second. All the hard work I’ve been doing is coming into something,” he says. “This moment on Monday, when I go to the premiere, it’s the biggest thing.”

Lato says his own music fits under the pop genre umbrella, and he compares himself to a combination of Hall & Oats and Rob Thomas. He has had many experiences in his career, including writing and co-producing his last EP with the guitarist and musical director for Avril Lavigne. He names top forty musicians of the Eighties as his influences; Hall & Oats, Prince, George Michael, Donna Summer and Michael Jackson.

But his favorite song is one you might not recognize.

“I promise you’ve never even heard of the band,” he says, revealing the song’s name, “Back For Good” by Take That.

After spending an afternoon with Greg Lato, it is safe to say that he deserves his success. Not only does he give our small state something to be proud of, he has also worked for this moment his entire life.