Gary Primich

Gary Primich (b. Chicago, 1958 – d. September 23, 2007) – Harmonica player, singer and songwriter. Raised in a middle class family in Gary, Indiana, Primich learned the blues craft from listening to the master harpists like Sonny Boy Williamson I and II and Little Walter as well as making the rounds at the Chicago clubs. After finishing a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, Primich moved to Austin, Texas, where he started the Mannish Boys in the late 1980s with drummer Jimmy Carl Black (formerly with the Mothers of Invention). After two albums with the Mannish Boys, Primich released a series of solo recordings on various labels (two each with Amazing Records, Flying Fish, and Black Top Records). Known for scheduling over 200 dates a year spread throughout North America and Europe, Primich died at age forty-nine of a suspected heroin overdose, although his estate would not release the official cause of death.