Got a tip? Send it our way
Share your music news — big or small — with the Austin360.com team by sending us an e-mail.
Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2007 > September > 24 > Entry
Musician Gary Primich dies at 49
Gary Primich 1958-2007
There are generally two types of harmonica players: Ones who have amazing technique, and those who play with intense feeling. Gary Primich was both. The great blues player, whose appearances in Europe brought out harmonica aficionados in droves, died Sunday, ex-wife Tina Rosenzwieg confirmed. An announcement of his death was also posted on his Web site. He was 49. The cause of death has not been released.
“Gary was the sweetest, smartest, hardest-working harp player in the world,” said Rosenzwieg, who met Primich when they were students at the University of Indiana. Although the couple divorced after several years, they remained close.
A native of Gary, Ind., Primich moved to Austin in the mid-’80s after a single visit to Antone’s. He formed the Mannish Boys with former Frank Zappa drummer Jimmy Carl Black but achieved his greatest success as a solo artist. His 1995 album “Mr. Freeze” was named one of the 20 best blues albums of the ’90s by Chicago weekly New City. He recorded eight albums in all for such labels as Antone’s, Black Top, Amazing and Flying Fish.
Although he was based in Austin the past two decades, Primich made most of his money playing overseas, as a solo artist or while touring with bands such as Omar and the Howlers.
“He had established himself all over the world as one of the most technically proficient harmonica players,” said his friend and fellow harp-blower Ted Roddy. “He wrote great instrumentals that leaned toward organ jazz. It was like Jimmy Smith, only on harmonica.”
Funeral services are pending.
Comments
Click here to report comment abuse.
By George
September 24, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
I heard of this earlier today and hoped it was not true. My worst fears have now been confirmed. Gary was truly a Master Bluesman, my heart is broken.
By Noel O'Dell
September 24, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
Sorry to here about mr. Primish our prayers go out to his family Noel O’Dell
By Noel O'Dell
September 24, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
Sorry to here about mr. Primish our prayers go out to his family Noel O’Dell
By Trish Wagner
September 24, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this
Though I am sad and in shock right now, I feel very privileged to have known Gary Primich-to have called him a friend personally and to have worked with him professionally. Besides being a wonderful musician; Gary had a very big heart, an infectious laugh and for a man that sang and played the blues for a living-an amazing, caring spirit. A smile for everyone. He had such great love for the music, his friends and of course, his beautiful dogs! Tina and family-my heart goes out to you during this very difficult time. xoxo-Trish
By Rob Patterson
September 24, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
Great guy, amazing player, soulful cat with a sweet heart. And my heart aches at the loss, but all it will take is a few of his stunning harp licks and St. Peter will open the gates and grant Gary the eternal reward he has earned with all the great music he gave us.
By David Halley
September 25, 2007 6:26 AM | Link to this
Gary Primich was a truly great player but also, what a sweet natured, truly good man he was. I’m shocked and saddened at his untimely death.
By Robert
September 25, 2007 7:20 AM | Link to this
I could not beleived it when I first read this. Gary was a very talented and an outstanding world class musician, with fans all over the world!! Robert
By Wil Wijnhoven
September 25, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
I didn’t know him very well but i’ve made him after a gig. He was a very fine guy who played the blues as blues is ment to be.
I will remember him as a nice man with his heart on the right place.
Wil
By Cara Cooke
September 25, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
I measure musicians by their musicianship, their ability to communicate themselves in the music, and their willingness to share all that with the next generations of players. Gary was all that and more. I am not a great blues aficionado. I love a wide variety of music, but I play bluegrass/folk music on my harmonicas more than I play nearly anything else. Gary also loved music and could go nose to nose with me on a difficult fiddle tune and afterward blow everyone away with the music for which he is known. In times when well-known performers might not lower themselves to offer encouragement and help to struggling learners, Gary was there. He supported the Austin chapter of the Harmonica Organization of Texas (HOOT) and gave a few classes at their meetings when he had the time. Though we came from different worlds, I came to appreciate his music and his soul. It is a great loss. I am better off for having known him even a little, and I will miss him.
By Golly
September 25, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
Austin should put a statue of him right next to SRV.
By CJF
September 25, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
Gary was one of the Texas musicians, along with Anson & Sam, and Smokin’ Joe and B’nois, that played the little venues near enough to Podunk Ohio for me to enjoy live when I lived there. I first saw Gary Primich in MoonDoggies, a small club in Findlay, Ohio owned by Alan Freed. Alan was the namesake and nephew of the great Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed, who played rock and roll in the constricted conservative times of the 60’s (have things changed or just gotten more insiduous?). Gary was stinky and hot from being on the road that first night I heard him, but the music was blazing hot and not stinky at all! Besides blowing great harp, Gary was always friendly and approachable. I’d already been missing him not playing around here (Fort Worth) as much lately. I’ll miss him forever now.
By Little Charlie Baty
September 25, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Gary was a great harp-player and a hard working, touring blues-man. His untimely passing is a sad event, and he will be certainly missed by his peers.
By Floyd Domino
September 25, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
Gary was someone who made it all seem better and made you proud to be a musician. He was so modest with such great talent. He brought out the best in all of us. What a loss. Just thankful that he left us with memorable recordings. But we will all miss him for a long long time.
By Rosie Flores
September 25, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
I’m so sad to hear about Gary’s passing. He was such a wonderful musician and such a nice person. I ran into him on several occasions while touring in Europe and he always had a hug and a smile for me. It’s a great loss for American music and for his close friends and family here in Austin. Sending prayers and condolences to all who loved him.
By David Hoerl
September 25, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
I met Gary many years ago in Vancouver, Canada. He was very cordial and nice to me and he generously shared many tips on harp microphones, etc. He then called me up to play on his stage with him. He was a fantastic player who had it all. Tone, taste, and technique. I am saddened by his loss, and my condolences go out to his family and friends.
By Tom Townsley
September 25, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this
What a terrible loss. I still can’t quite wrap my mind around it. Gary was one of a handful of living harp players I most admired, and a terrific songwriter. He blended big tone and tradition with newer approaches and was always innovative. What’s more, he was a warm and unassuming man that I am proud to have called a friend. We shared some good laughs, and I’ll treasure those memories. I know many others feel the same way. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
By S
September 26, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
I’ll never forget all those nights, years ago at the Saxon Pub listening to Gary wail with Omar and the Howlers.
RIP.
By Glenn Wierzbicki
September 26, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
When God called down from heaven for another harp player, I bet he never expected to get Gary. He was a master harp player and a great guy. We will all miss you. Wiz
By ENOCH DOYLE JETER
September 26, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
GARY PLAYED ENOCH’S PUB IN MONROE AND SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA THROUGHOUT THE LATE 80’S AND EARLY 90’S…SEVERAL TIMES WITH HIS BUDDY FINGERS TAYLOR….HE WAS A TRUE GENTLE MAN, HUMBLE, TALENTED, WITH A BIG HEART…..WE’RE VERY SADDENED TO HEAR OF HIS PASSING. OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO GARY, HIS FAMILY, AND HIS MANY FANS WORLDWIDE. I’M SURE HE IS JAMMING WITH SONNY BOY………….
ENOCH DOYLE JETER….. OWNER….ENOCH’S
WWW.ENOCHSIRISHPUB.COM
By Neil Sexton
September 27, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
What a terrible shock. Known Gary for 30 years and never a nicer guy or more consumate harp pro. Never forget thinking there was a saxophone on stage at Fitzgeralds one nite only to turn around and see Gary blowin the Chromatic like no one could have. Will miss him terribly. Sympathy to all.
By Tracy Hightower
September 27, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
I was so deeply saddened to hear about Gary’s passing…a loss not only to the blues community, but to those that were fortunate enough to know him personally. I just wish our paths could have crossed more frequently. Our last conversation included plans for him to come on the radio and share his music and that of other blues greats. I would still like to honor that request. I will be dedicating “Mojo Time” this Sunday to the memory of Gary and other blues greats. Any help gathering music material is appreciated. I can be reached at: mojo time radio (no spaces) at yahoo dot com.
With deepest sympathy, Tracy Hightower Mojo Time Sundays 4:30-6pm CST www.koop.org
By keith parker
September 28, 2007 6:37 AM | Link to this
Gary’s music has inspired me for years and it was a pleasure to see him play in England this year, I am sure i can speak for all British harp players and say that we are all very sad to here the news but his music will live on forever. Keith P
By Dutrow
September 28, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
Truly a wonderful player. I promise to play for my own kids tonight. It’s all too short.
By Mandy Mercier
September 30, 2007 2:21 AM | Link to this
I can’t say enough about Gary as an incredible musician and person. More character and soul than can be described, a master singer and player so great he made it look easy. Gary and Tina were incredibly generous when I was ill in 1997, organizing a benefit concert without a second thought, working hours and hours for days. I’ll never forget the great nights playing with Gary, and hearing Tina sing too, at Threadgill’s with Champ Hood’s Troubadours; and later on of course, both Tina and Gary at Jo’s. Dearly beloved, great friend, quintessential blues man, never forgotten. Heartfelt condolences to Tina and all of Gary’s family.
By Nuri Nuri
September 30, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
I just heard about Gary’s passing and I am in big shock. I was thinking about Gary these last few days and how I should call him to chat since we have not talked in a while. I cannot believe it.
I have known Gary for many years and I don’t know what I can say that others have not said yet. Gary was a kind, gentle, fun, talented, shy, curious, and very sweet man. He and I used to talk about world events and he was always curious to learn more, and I might add, he was highly informed about what goes on. Even during his concerts, he and I would sit in the break and would ask questions.
His live shows were never boring and were always fun and entertaining. He dressed like the old school and sounded superb. I remember one time I walked into a club in Houston and Gary and his band were performing. The show was so varied and entertaining that I wished it never ended. He used to call me often to promote his show on the air as well as do a phone interview and the last time we talked, it did not work out (I think I was out of town). I meant to call Gary and explain and did not get the chance to do that. Gary, I am sorry.
Gary recorded with many of his fellow music mates including Marcia Ball and Doyle Bramhall and he was certainly a heavy weight, perhaps a bit under-rated.
I loved Gary’s music and his character and will miss hearing his music and hearing from him personally. His music and memory will live.
May he rest in Peace.
By sunshine dennis
September 30, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
What a terrible loss to the blues world. Gary was always so kind and helpful to me when I covered his gigs when he played in Key West.
By Temple Ray
September 30, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this
I wish I could reach for magical words, the way you reached for magical notes, GP, but there are no words to describe this kind of heartache. The air is a little heavier around Austin since you left and all the tears that have been cried over you this past week will have to come back down. When it rains again, I’ll know you’re at peace.
By Rick Olsen " The Narrows"
October 1, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
The loss of Mr. Primich is felt up here in Minnesota. I had the pleasure of mixing several of his shows. He was always kind and easy going with his sets. Gary made my job very easy with his talents and great tone. He and his band made it look easy. My heartfelt condolences go out to Gary’s family and the long list of friends and musicians that played with him.
By Julie
October 1, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
Im so sad. I couldnt believe when I heard. I was lucky enough to see him play. My husband is a huge fan and is heartbroken. One of my favorite songs he did is Feel like going home. Now, Gary Primich is home.