The things I learned that I never forgot and the people who taught me the true meaning of the gift of music. Back  When I grew up the only way to learn music was to find someone who knew how to play an instrument and get them like Jackie Wilson. He was performing what was called the chit len circuit. It was basically venues through out the south kind of road house clubs that were always packed and you would have to change clothes in the men's room and travel in a bunch of cars. Jackie had a following because of his records but never really got his acclaim until years after his death. He was the cream of the crop when it came to performing. He was the guy everybody tried to copy from James Brown to Michael Jackson. Insane dance moves and was always performing at 110%. He taught me, when it's show time it's time to go to 110%.  
 
When The Beatles first toured the United States they were asked who they wanted to open for them and they chose Mary Wells. Mary understood the music business and was a real class act. All her music had, was a heavy Hammond B3 sound which I loved to play. The funniest memory I have of Mary was a summer out door concert at this amphitheater. It was so hot there was a pitcher of ice water by my organ and when she came out on stage she accidentally knocked it over on the organ keyboards. The water and ice was like a waterfall all over the keys and my lap. I just kept playing while trying to wipe the keys with a towel. I could not believe how the organ just kept working. We laughed so hard after the show about that. She loved her fans and was a role model for thousands of girls around the world who she would inspire to sing. She taught me that fans deserve to be entertained by someone with class because it is essential to respecting the gift of music.  June Pointer who was the lead singer of the Pointer Sisters, was my best friend and I, her biggest  fan. She was a total genius musician that intimidated the best of musicians because her ears were better than everyone and she always heard every note everyone played in a song in the studio and on stage. One time we were driving and Jump! For My Love was on the radio and she was singing along with it. You know how when your driving and someone sings along with the radio and it's so annoying? Well it's a whole other ball game when the singer who sang the hit is singing and sitting next to you in the front seat. It's not as cool as being on stage playing it with her, but it is cool. June taught me, make sure it's right every time.  Billy Preston was my keyboard idol. If you want a perfect keyboard part Billy was  the guy. I first met him while playing at B. B. Kings with guitar Jack Wargo who was Billy's guitar player. We were in the dressing room and Jack said hey Gary I want to introduce you to..... I turned around and saw Billy and flipped out. There he was ..Billy Preston..wow is all I could think, I blurted out I LOVE YOU! He laughed. They all had so many things in common. First their love of Jesus and understanding that they were entrusted with the highest level of the gift of music and they knew it was a gift and never boasted about their talent and share it with everyone their whole lives. I loved them all..