March 2023
Gary Putthoff is a songwriter and musician. He has been entertaining audiences for many years. In this exclusive interview, Gary talks about his life in music and tells us how he became a songwriter. Hang with us as he reveals his newest song.
Rosie: Welcome back Gary! It’s been awhile since our last interview. You’ve branched out a lot these last few years.
Let’s first talk about how you became interested in music.
Tell us, did you go to school to learn more about your craft or did it come natural for you?
Gary: My father played the guitar on his lap with a metal slide, he called it Hawaiian guitar. It was always fun when he got out his guitar, this is where I got my desire to play. He only knew a few songs, one was the crawdad song. I re-did this song it is on my first published album “Chasin’ Dreams” and the slide riff at the end of the song is a tip of the hat to him.
I had formal training with guitar lessons I pursued in college.
My first remembrance was playing my neighbor’s guitar, I was 12 years old. A mutual friend of ours gave me an exact model that she had in her basement and I have kept it over 45 years now. My newest release “You Didn’t Say Goodby” uses this guitar to get that vintage sound that is sought after. I have often wondered if it is the same guitar.
I minored in music at Penn Valley and was in the jazz band there. I graduated from UMKC with a degree in Communications. I worked at KCUR 89.3 the college station for 3 years producing all the Saturday afternoon shows. Those shows included, “Many Phases of the Blues,” Cypress Avenue and more. I had created my own program there called Jazz Next Door which featured local artists. I also worked with Gaylord Marr. I worked at his home cataloging music for his library, now called the “Marr Archives” at UMKC. I also did some interviews
for the Blues Society magazine. That one is with, Lindsay Shannon (KC Blues historian.) It’s now registered in the KC Historical Society articles.
Rosie: That is so cool! You have been on quite a musical journey.
What has been your longest running gig?
Gary: The longest running gig I ever had was at a place called the Chestnut Inn on 12th street. It was at the end of being a famous country bar in KC with a rich history. Played every weekend there for a year with George Kelly.
Rosie: You and I have both discussed how authoring and songwriting are very much the same.
How did you become such a great songwriter?
Gary: I always wrote songs for fun. I took an online course through songwriters magazine to get some basics, like how important the “hook” is.
I became more serious about recording. I took a course in advanced recording at UMKC Conservatory of music which helped a lot.
Rosie: I bet you learned so much.
What are you currently working on?
Gary: I continue to write and record these days with the Blue Ridge Band. Friends and I play occasional gigs and at jam sessions. As I mentioned, I have released another new song “You Didn’t Say Goodby.” It’s about someone leaving without saying goodbye. The image is a picture of my girlfriend, Terry at Indian Rocks Beach.
Now For Gary’s Newest Song!
♪ Click on the photo below to listen. ♪
“You Didn’t Say Goodby”
Rosie: Great song and image!
Where can our readers find your songs and connect with you for more updates?
Gary: They can follow my Facebook page, ► Gary Putthoff Artist Page.
Just look for this photo.
Rosie: Yay! You now have your very own Facebook page.
Where can our readers listen to your music?
Gary: They can listen to it on:
Rosie: We love your songs and music, Gary! I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to visit with us. Let’s do this again someday.
Readers, if you have any questions for Gary, please leave them in the comment section below. We’d love to hear from you.
As always,
Happy Reading!
Rosie
Catch up on February 2023 post here ► Books, Craft and More at Books by Rose, February 2023
I loved reading your exclusive interview with Gary Putthoff, the author of “The Adventures of Tinker and Tanker”. I learned a lot about his writing process, his inspiration, and his passion for children’s literature.
I was impressed by how he started writing stories for his grandchildren and then decided to share them with the world. I think that’s a wonderful way to create meaningful and engaging stories that kids can relate to and enjoy.
I also liked how he explained his use of rhyme, humor, and illustrations to make his books fun and appealing. I can see how they would spark children’s imagination and curiosity.
Thank you for introducing me to this talented and creative author. I look forward to reading more.
Thank you for stopping by to read about our friend, Gary Puttoff. He’s a talented songwriter and musician and we have been lucky to have him play at a few events we’ve had at out reunion with friends.
I’ll look up the book you suggestions on Goodreads. I love learning more about how people get their start and how they pursue their passions.
Thanks again, Chris. 🙂
Great interview. Always interesting hearing other people’s journeys.
Thank you so much, Rebecca and glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
So cool. Great interview. It’s always nice to learn how other artists got into their craft. That peek behind the curtain is fascinating.
I’ve always enjoyed learning these things too, Auden.
♪ Our friend, Gary has been on quite a musical journey. ♪
Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful March! 🙂
Great article!! I have known Gary for many many years and still learned so much about him. Love his new song!! Congratulations to you both in the is s very interesting article!!
Hi Robin, his new song is great! I loved when he and his band played at our yearly parties back in the day. What a treat.
Thanks so much for reading this blog post and I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Happy March! 🙂
Thanks Rosie, it’s always interesting to read about authors or musicians, their background, inspiration and talent.
Hi Sandra, thanks for stopping by with your note.
I always find it interesting how talented people get their start, too. Lots of hard work and perseverance, right?
Thanks again and Happy March! 🙂
Always interesting and inspiring to hear how musicians, artists, and writers got started on their journey. Thanks for sharing Gary’s story!
Hi Julie, I always enjoy learning these things, too.
We’ve have known Gary for many years and it’s been fun watching his musical career blossom.
Thanks for your note and have a wonderful March! 🙂