GARY PUCKETT's Wild Ride: From Civil War Costumes to Chart-Topping Hits

During the late '60s -a period distinguished as rock's most radical, innovative, and far-reaching - GARY PUCKETT and the Union Gap forged a series of massive chart hits that were full of melodrama. The group pioneered the hip-to-be-square concept two decades before the likes of Huey Lewis and the News. They were clad in Civil War-era get-ups (complete with fictitious military ranks) and they became an overnight success. Gary Puckett was born in the same town where Bob Dylan went to high school. He picked up the guitar as a teen, and while attending college in San Diego played in a number of local bands before quitting school to focus on music. Despite his parents' protestations, Gary began to devote all of his energies towards becoming a professional musician. He relocated to Los Angeles to serve as the house drummer on a tv series but knew that if his band was to be a success, he needed a gimmick. That's when he came up with the idea to outfit his band in civil war costumes. Unable to afford to have them made in LA, Gary took the group to Tijuana, where he had the outfits made at a cheap price. The band cut a demo and Gary began hawking it around. No-one was interested until he stumbled on a meeting with newly appointed label producer, Jerry Fuller who was impressed by Gary's soaring baritone. He agreed to check out their live show. Believing Fuller was due to arrive on Saturday, the band, known then as The Outcasts opted to save their energy, delivering an atypically mellow set on Friday night. But Fuller was in the crowd and despite this, signed the group on the spot. They were re-christened the Union Gap in 1967 and recorded their first single, "Woman Woman." In the spring of 1968, the Union Gap scored their biggest hit, "Young Girl," written by Fuller in the style of "Woman, Woman," but exchanging the age-old theme of infidelity for the age-old theme of the temptation of underage romance. The juggernaut rolled on, and the group continued rattling off hits -- "Lady Willpower," "Over You," and "Don't Give in to Him." In 1968, the band scored six consecutive gold records and sold more records than any other recording act...including the Beatles. They were touring relentlessly becoming tired and stressed out. Arguments ensued In 1969 there was a stalemate and the band disintegrated. "This Girl Is a Woman Now," was to be their last hit. In 1970, Puckett began recording as a solo act, but his efforts were not well-received. He continued making solo appearances in the months to come, but by 1973 he had essentially disappeared from music, opting instead to study acting and dance. He performed in theatrical productions in and around L.A., but his acting career never really took off either and in 1984 he signed on with the Happy Together oldies package tour. Two years later Gary was tapped to open for the Monkees on their 20th Anniversary tour, and he remained a staple of the revival circuit into the next century. Today he still tours with The Happy Together tour and as a solo act around the world. Gary joins me in conversation in this episode to tell us not only about his incredible musical journey but to provide valuable advise for anyone with an ambition. In his words it is "persevere, be patient and have faith. If you want something badly enough, it'll happen if you pour all of your energies into it." For more information about Gary Puckett head to his website http://www.garypuckettmusic.com/bio.php or to my website www.abreathoffreshair.com.au I hope you enjoy Gary Puckett's story.