World class harmonica player Gary Primich died
Sunday, September 23, 2007 in Austin, Texas.

Please visit the "Tour" page for his obituary,
memorial service information and a family tribute.

"I have maintained Gary's web site, for his family and fans, much as he and I designed it in anticipation of the release of his last album, Ridin' the Dark Horse."
— Bill Groll, web designer

Blues harmonica player, vocalist, and songwriter, the late Gary Primich was among a rare breed of musicians on the blues scene today — those who learned directly at the feet of the masters and proved themselves on the mean streets and ghetto club stages of Chicago. A dedicated musician who not only revered tradition but forged his own innovative sound, Primich honed his meaty, fat-toned harmonica chops and energetic R&B vocal style at Chicago's storied and legendary Maxwell Street Market. Performing there in the late '70s and early '80s along greats like Big Walter Horton, Johnny Littlejohn, Sunnyland Slim, and John Henry Davis, Gary received a first-hand blues education that could never be taught in a classroom.

Although a resident of Austin, Texas for over 20 years, Primich still embodied the characteristic blue collar work ethic of his Midwest stomping grounds, recording eight albums, and relentlessly playing over 200 nights per year nationally and internationally.

Gary was also held in high esteem by his peers. Juke Logan says "Gary Primich scares the bejesus outta me. As a harmonica player's harmonica player, that is." The late Cub Koda echoed that sentiment with "He's always willing to lay his heart on the line for the music."

In addition to his solo efforts, Gary was an in-demand sideman, gigging and recording with notables such as Omar & The Howlers, Tish Hinojosa, Steve James and Libbi Bosworth. Humble, ever a bluesman and "a regular Joe," he envisions his epitaph. "He changed his oil every 3000 miles."

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Photos used as web design elements by Todd V. Wolfson.