Gary began his professional career at the age of 16 as a singer/dancer/percussionist working with R&B acts in the K.C. area. During the next 30 years, Gary continued to work professionally, sometimes as a vocalist, but more often as a percussionist, backing some of the greatest names in Jazz and Entertainment. Working with the likes of Hank Crawford for 8 years, Eddie Cano (One of the fathers of Latin Jazz) for 4 years, and the award winning quartet Yoboso for 5 years whose CD "Off The Menu" Won 6 awards at the New Mexico Music Awards including Best Vocal Performance. Some greats Gary has performed with include Grover Washington Jr., Sonny Stitt, Percy Mayfield, Sammy Davis Jr., Ester Phillips, Herbie Mann, Les McCann, David "Fat Head" Newman, and many others.