A Man and a Band From San Diego

It’s difficult to name a band that originated from San Diego. We thought long and hard and the most obvious answer was right in front of us. Gary Puckett and the Union Gap are from San Diego! Follow along as it’s not as easy as it seems.

Gary Puckett was born in Hibbing, Minnesota, moved to Yakima, Washington (now notice it’s really close to a city called Union Gap, Washington), then moved again to Twin Falls, Idaho where Gary grew up. Gary learned to play many musical instruments as a child in Idaho (what else is there to do?) choosing to attend college in San Diego. And that is how we got to San Diego!

Gary started the band in San Diego, wearing Civil War Union uniforms, breaking it big with “Woman Woman,” “Lady Willpower,” “Over You,” and more. The group was nominated for a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1968, losing to Jose Feliciano who had a terrific year with his song “Light My Fire,” including his controversial ‘National Anthem’ in Tiger stadium at one of the St. Louis vs. Detroit World Series games.

The band (with Gary being the only remaining original member) continues to tour today. Believe it or not, Gary and the group played Union Gap, Washington for the very first time in 2010.