Excerpts from Books and Wikipedia
Gregory I was born into a noble Roman family. He became a monk in 574. From 579 to 585 he was Pope Pelagious II's assistant. He was pope from 590 until his death in 604. His accomplishments included making peace with the Lombard kings, repairing Rome's aqueducts, providing food for the people of Rome, and systematizing plainsong (later known as Gregorian chants). [Furtado: 1001 Days]