Gary was born and raised in Chicago. He started playing drums at 13 and started playing guitar and writing songs at 18. He was influenced early on by Cat Stevens, John Prine, Bob Dylan and other popular folk/rock artists from the late '60's and early '70's.  He moved to Nashville in 1973 to pursue a music career where he met his wife of now over 50 years. They have raised 5 children and are blessed with 12grandchildren....so far! Gary performs mostly in songwriter rounds and open mics in his spare time. He also serves other musicians and bands as a sideman playing congas and harmonica. He is an active member of the Knoxville Songwriters Association and Red House Round songwriter's cooperative.