Gary Puckett truly had one of rock's greatest voices. He doesn't get the recognition he deserves.

A seriously underrated and under-appreciated singer

Gary is just one of those men that just keeps his good looks, aging like fine wine. I was fortunate enough to meet him at a reunion tour in the 80's and he was so kind to give me his autograph. I have always been in love with his voice hearing him first when I was about 7 years old. Have been a fan ever since.

I cannot get over Gary's voice. What a beautiful voice! There is nothing like his voice then, nothing even now! God bless and more power to you, Gary!

Absolutly LOVED Gary Puckett and the Union Gap!

Gary is such a genuine, down to earth and modest man. Can still pelt out his vocals too

What a voice... what a personable man with very apparent gratitude for how well things worked out for him. On top of the world, yet remaining a finely mannered human being. Things don't get much better than that. "Dinosaurs"... Heh. This man leaves me with nothing but warm feelings. I cannot express the respect I have for such people. They feel like family to me.

Gary's voice has always been beautiful. 🤗❤

Gary is such a humble, and great example of a truly down-to-earth musician. Thanks for sharing, as always.... Fantastic job Joe.

Always loved Gary's voice. Still crank the sound up when I hear him sing.

Great interview. Calm, smooth guy. And what a voice-more mature than his years.

We just saw him 8/19/2022 he's going to be 80 in October he still sounds great

Lady will power, a masterpiece of a song.

Still one of the greatest voices in music period

What a lovely interview, Gary is just gorgeous.

I'm 69 now. Use to work at an large insurance agency in Alpine, CA. Viejas Indian Casino was a couple of miles up the same road. One day, I heard Gary Puckett & The Union Gap were coming in concert. Since I had lived in San Diego and experienced their '67-68 explosion on the scene, I bought tickets for a group of ladies & I to attend the concert. A terrific experience! The ladies loved me for taking them...and afterwards we got to meet Gary Puckett himself...enjoyed a great conversation. He was so kind...so gracious...so appreciative of us as fans...still!

How can this be? He has one of the greatest voices I've ever heard in my lifetime.

Definately one of the best of his era. Great singer.

What a nice down to earth guy!! How nice to hear his story! Thanks Joe! 👍👍

Great voice, definitely underappreciated and unrecognized. He is one of the few vocalists that evokes emotion into any lyric he sings. Wonderful to listen to!

Gary Puckett and the Union Gap will always be one of my favorite groups and all these years later I still listen to their music. So smooth and moving was their sound I loved it the first time I heard it. I had their eight track back in the seventies and I still have their album and CD. I saw Gary in another interview as well and he remains a straight up guy just as I knew he would be. Bueatifiul music from a bueatifiul time. Thanks Gary and the Union Gap for your wonderful memories. I will be listening to your music as long as I am alive it never will be out of date.

how can you not help but love this man, what great memories

I was in a band called “The Lavender Hill Mob” and I’m thinking it was around 67 or 68 and we opened for Gary’s band at Robert’s Stadium in Evansville, Indiana and I met Gary back stage and he was an absolute nice guy.

One of the most underappreciated voices in music.

My favorite Gary Puckett song was and is 'Over You' ! It is a wonderful heart felt tune and lyrics!

Gary, if you've been living a more healthy lifestyle than most rockers, it sure shows!

I feel honored to be in the company of others who share my wonderful opinion of Gary Puckett and his velvet voice

He was one of my favorite singers....I still enjoy his album. He never got the recognition he should have. His music was awesome!

I always loved Gary. Still do. It was a pleasure meeting him some years back. He is so kind and talented.

Did a tour of Eastern Canada opening for Puckett and the Union Gap back in the seventies. They used to wear Civil War uniforms onstage. Nice guys, good musicians.

Gary mentions The Platters & The Coasters. The precursor to them were The Mills Brothers and The Ink Spots. My late Dad was a WWII Vet and he introduced me to these greats.

My favorite 60s band. Gary had a remarkable voice and when I hear a song from him and the union gap I crank up the volume

Fantastic👍🏻 what a lovely, level-headed guy he is. I rank him vocally up there with David Cassidy, George Michael, Cass Elliot, Karen Carpenter, Glen Campbell and John Denver and Adele - the vocalists who had or has a unique sound. Love, love, love his voice ❤️

What an overwhelming talent of a man, of character, of humility. Other than his musicality, his artistry, his voice which i have admired over the decades, I admire even more his openness to technology preserving their music, keeping it current for today's afficionados. It's been ages since vinyl, cassette tapes, cd's and dvd's, but Gary Pucket and the Union Gap are in my mobile phone and in my car audio in MP3's.

Two great singers of that same time frame were Gary Puckett and Dennis Yost.

Outstanding voice and a great interview! Thank you Joe!!!!!!!

I remember hearing Gary Puckett & The Union Gap songs constantly. Just ever repeating plays. Good for Gary and good for the writers.

Gary is a wonderful man and singer and I was blessed to have been able to have met him! God bless you Gary

Love these old stories about recording on the west coast with the wrecking crew. The bits about "three hours, three songs, union stop right at the limit" you really had to NAIL a song right away. And you listen to those old songs the arrangements and musicianship is impeccable. They really were a hit factory. Whenever someone says "that 60's sound" if they aren't referring to Motown it's probably the wrecking crew!

Another unmistakable voice, and a man who appreciates what he has been blessed with. I hung around with my cousins a lot as a kid, they were a few years older than I. 2 girls a a boy, and they got me into the rock of those times. The girls were both completely in love with Gary. I think most young women were.

Absolutely great singer with a booming powerful voice 🎼🎤🎶🎶

God certainly gave Mr. Puckett vocal talent! Good interview!

Thank you for replaying this. No one could sing like this gentleman. When he started singing Woman Woman off the cuff in the interview my heart skipped a beat.

I am a huge Gary Puckett & The Union Gap fan! No doubt...this group is incredible and and and...

So glad you’ve documented this important oral history

Joe - Your knowledge of the artists and the relative ease of conversation you have with them make these interviews priceless. As a vocalist, Gary Puckett is in a class like no other. History shows that Gary never did achieve the success he should have had as a solo artist, but perhaps the musical change of the late 60's early 70's didn't afford a spot for him. What a pity - as a fan I know there should have been much more for him. Thank you for this - Gary is still a class act, performer, and guy.

Gary, along with the wonderful Dennis Yost of the Classics Four were my favorite singers in the late sixties. Dennis (RIP) was unbelievable , and Gary was in a class of his own . I can't tell you how much both these guys effected us in that era and still do today. God Bless you guys and the influence you had on all of us!

Saw Gary Puckett & Union Gap at Disneyland, such a great band , & unique talent ! So great he’s still singing, such a special guy!

My parents were teenagers in the late 60's. As such, I was exposed to this great music. Gary's voice always stood out amongst the great musical acts of the time. Thank you for the interview, Gary and Joe!

Thanks for replaying this interview. Gary Puckett had a great sound in the 60s and I still enjoy listening to him today.

Gary Puckett, Eric Burdon, and Alex Chilton , just three of the great singers from the 60’s with great pipes

Love Gary Puckett and the Union Gap. Great interview!

IMO, "This Girl Is A Woman Now" from the summer of 1969 is Gary Puckett & The Union Gap's best song. What a vocal!!! Unfortunately, it was the band's final Top 40 hit.

It must be extraordinary to walk into a room full of the most professional musicians in the country, have your song arranged by the best...then sing while hearing them play live...and then the entire song produced by people who would become legends. edit: thanks for another wonderful interview. You have a real knack for giving the artist room to explore.

He's amazing! His singing voice is is so huge and powerful, while he is a quiet, unassuming, humble guy. Lovely! 💜

I just saw Gary in February. Yes, he's 80 now, he can still entertain. He is one of the warmest and down to earth.artists I have met💞🎤

Voices like his last forever. His songs can't be redone or stolen. Dennis Yost is in the same category.

Loved Gary Puckett and the Union Gap as a kid, and still do. I met Gary in Cleveland in 2002 at a performance. I said “hi Gary, I’m Gary” and he said “hi Gary, I’m Gary” and chuckled. We were seated at the side of the stage and he was about to go on. I told him how much I loved his voice and his music, and he was very appreciative. A fine gentleman and a truly nice guy as opposed to some of the other famous performers on the show that night who could care less about us. Thanks Gary for the music and a great memory.

Gary Puckett has a amazing voice and I can remember having my transistor radio playing all of the songs of the 60's and Gary Puckett was one of my very favorites. I still love to here him. i cried when I heard him which was 30 years later. It brought back a flood of memories. He was blessed by God and was given a beautiful voice!

This Is Awesome. Gary Puckett & The Union Gap Is One Of My Favorite Groups. Their Music Helped Me Drown My Sorrow, When My Brother Was Killed In Vietnam. His Last Letter That My Brother Wrote From Nam Was Him Asking Us To Send Him Records Of Bobby Vinton (Mr.Lonely), The Shirelles(Soldier Boy), Gary Puckett & The Union Gap. Hrs Barracks Was Shelled By Friendly Fire . Three Weeks Later He Was Killed. Thank You For The Interview And When I Want To Relive Gary Puckett And The Union Gap. I Sing It In My heart And Karaoke His Music. He Has One Of The Strongest And Greatest Voices In Music If By Chance You Have Time, Could You Do A Time Line On Michael Parks ??? He Was Such A Blessed And Brilliant Person. May He Rest In Peace, But He'll Never Die As Long As I Can Sing" Tie Me To Your Apron Strings Again"! He Stared In "Then Came Bronson" And All The Way To "Kill Bill" Fame. Thank You Very Much !!!!!!!! A FAN

Truly the best singer in American history. Keeps getting better and better than ever. God bless you Gary, and happy birthday!!

He smiles and reminds me of the boy that lived next door to me growing up. Have loved his music since I was 10. A dream came true and I finally saw him live last week. What a thrill! We were both a little older but the voice, emotion and passion are still there. He should write a book. It would be very interesting. He tells a great stories. Just because we all have gotten a bit older, do not miss the chance to hear Gary and the Union Gap. It will make you happy and leave you smiling. He's still groovy😉

I love how he switches from his speaking voice to his singing voice. Another great interview.

What a voice I always knew that Gary sang live with the orchestra on woman woman and most of the union gap recordings and didn’t overdub Sinatra use to do the same until he was very old just a pure unique superb voice Gary has

Here is a piece of trivia for you. I am 69yo now and grew up in Clairemont a town in San Diego. There was a bowling alley there at the time called The Clairemont bowl and we al haung out there as kids. Inside the bowl as we called it, was a night club called The Quad room and The Union Gap played there as Gary stated. It was owned by an entrepeneur named Yale Kahn and my mother worked for him as the payroll secretary for his enterprises. I remember being there at night and being able to sneak in a back door and watch them play. I even met Gary for a second when he came in to see my mother about something. Gary, if you read this, do you remember a lady named Jeanne ?This was my mother. I guess on pay day you guys would come around to get your checks and she held on to them for you. So there you go. I got to meet Gary Puckett when I was about 15 years old or so but never knew I should have asked for his autograph. Also, The Cascades played at the redcoat Inn inside the University bowl They were reaslly big for that one song.

Although I got a bit burned out by the first 4 singles that were played to death on radio, it gave me an opportunity to dig deeper into the catalog and find some gems. Most notable was a song called "My Son" written by a Union Gap member. Heart wrenching. It was on their first album, then re-recorded for their fourth album. Looks like Gary is back on tour next month. God bless him.

Just a Marvelous one of a Kind Voice, and Music. Thanks for the interview.

Joe, I loved the look on Gary’s face when you ask about the experience of being a mega star, your question obviously triggered many memories! Gary Puckett and the Union Gap was my and my friends favorite band during that era! The first time I actually got to see them was in the summer of 70 or 71, at the Big Bam Show in Montgomery Alabama! As you can imagine the girls all went crazy when they came on stage! Since then I’ve probably seen Gary several times more, and he always delivers awesome performances! Terrific interview, thanks!💫

Gary is from the music era, when music was music!!!! His voice spoke volumes and is timeless!!! Thanks Gary for the great hits❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

So happy to see this video! Gary has such a distinctive voice along with a depth of feeling. My baby sister and I played his music constantly. We have never tired of hearing his songs and we are both in our 60's. Thank you, Gary for sharing your talent and we wish you well. Love from Nancy and Terry

Wow! How well-spoken and intellectual! I'm friends with father and son guitar builders in San Marcos, California, and they told me how nice Gary always was; and good looking too. Another great one Joe! As always, TAHNK YOU❣️

A superb vocalist. I'm jealous of good singers. I express thru an instrument, but I appreciate those use their voice. Yet another cool post, Mr. Chambers. Wrecking Crew, great vocalists, good lyrics...the apex of smart pop music, no apologies. Tight! Thanks! Much blessed to grow up in that time. And Topo Gigio!... Thanks!

I did have 8 tracks,for my car , but I believe I have most all of the band’s albums ! Gary Puckett and Johnny Rivers have the BEST male vocals of any time period!! Karen Carpenter is at the top for female vocals! I shed a tear anytime I listen to her music ,partly because she was simply outstanding and partly because she’s gone and WHAT we have missed because she left us to soon!!! Thank you all for your Outstanding Music!!

You have a great voice and your music is part of my life.

I wore out my Gary Puckett and The Union Gap records by playing them over and over again when I was a preteen in the 70's. Even today 2022 I still love listening to those songs now on CD.

I fell in love with Gary's voice as a teenager. My brother had tickets to see Gary and the Union Gap when I was 16. Unfortunately, I had 4 wisdom teeth extracted that morning and couldn't attend the concert!! I was so upset that I had to miss seeing them live! Wore out their album, though. Thank you.

Great interview! I am impressed with Gary after being in the music business since the sixties. It was great hearing him go back in time describing the scenes of recording and touring CA. I remember hearing him the Pucketts for the 1st time while walking down Waikiki in ‘68. They had some of the best music out there and am glad to see that he is still doing well. Thanks!

My husband could have been his voice and body double he truly looks and sounded just like him. He was rather shy b but his best friend had a band which played the young scene clubs etc in Glasgow Scotland. He occasionally would guest with them. He sung young girl with them in 1968 after he had asked me out and friends who knew howled with laughter as I was only 15 and he hammed it up he brought the roof down. A year later he rejoined them to sing This girl is a woman now 6 weeks after we married again he brought the roof down. We both joined the band occasionally him solo singer me guitar. We had brought wedding forward by several years due t a parent's terminal diagnosis. 51+ years later he still sings and I still play we are still together and still enjoying listening to gary.

Back in the late 60's when I was still at school, I used to go fishing in a lake outside manchester in the UK. At one end of the lake was a fairground and whilst fishing you could hear the records being played there across the lake. Young Girl was my favourite. even now I can close my eyes and I am back there in the sunshine, people laughing and Young Girl booming out across the lake. Great times. thanks for the beautiful music Gary and the Union Gap.

A very clear and lucid interview.

Great interview Joe! I got to meet Gary maybe 25 or 30 years ago at the county fair. He was very humble and friendly and seemed like he had plenty of time to talk to anyone who wanted to chat . Great guy, fantastic talent!!

Fan since '67..

Gary has the greatest voice . I still listen to and enjoy his music . No one today can touch his talent.

Saved every penny to buy all his 45’s. What a voice!

Joe Chambers you are a GIANT in the music biz for doing these interviews!! I just want to say THANK YOU for all you do in letting the general public get to know those we've idolized a whole lot better! You are appreciated!

He has such a powerful voice I came across his music again and started to listen to him and the group . He seems like a very natural person not stuck up at all.❤

Another great video, Joe. Gary Puckett was an amazing vocalist. I love how musicians from that era cite either the Beatles or Elvis as the reason they became a musician.

Big vocal influence on me. Such a tone and technique.

One of the greatest voices of the 60's. Young Girl, the best song of 1968. Love you Gary, great guy!

Having grown up listening to what I call "Boomer Music", there is no mistaking Gary's amazing & unique voice. So many memories! Thanks for these incredible interviews Joe! Hope that everything is good in your neck of the woods! 👍👍😉😉

I had the pleasure of seeing Gary Puckett perform last week in Warren, OH. He sounded great, and I was so happy to meet and speak to him after the show. He is genuinely kind and not at all pretentious. Truly a legend!

Amazing what Gary did in Southern California and I saw him in the 2008 in Fort Lauderdale with Mikky Dolenz and Tommy James…… It was a pleasure see this interview….. Remind our old times…..

Gary appreciating the entire recording track from the session 👍 Those are superb recordings too. True audiophile stuff.

I listened to his songs along with other great bands songs. Always loved his voice.

Another great interview Joe, hard to believe they outsold everyone in that magic year of 1968. When you asked him that big juicy question, you could see his mind wander and brain register how special it was in the late 60's Cali which was arguably the greatest time in human history.

One of the great voices of pop music, in my opinion. Hear "Simple Man" and "Out in the Cold". I grew up in the little town in San Diego County (Vista) where his parent owned and worked a clothing store. Just a marvelous musician.

I love Gary Puckett's voice, and I agree, he never got the accolades that he deserved. Him a no d his band have/had great stage presentation.

I've loved his voice since the 60s. Great to hear the stories behind the songs and the musicians 🎶👍👦👍🎶

such a great humble talent, thank you Gary !

Awesome guy and voice. I still have 45’s by them. And nice looking too!!😊😊