Born in Memphis, TN in 1947. Gary was born into a musical family. He tells about constantly being exposed to music from his parents, the radio, records, and local Memphis musicians, including Elvis, Booker T and the MGs, and Travis Wammack. He tells about his first guitar and learning how to play and the many genres of music that influenced him, including gospel. country, folk, bluegrass, early rock n’ roll, blues, and R&B.