Guitar tech and musician Benny Garcia passed away on Saturday, May 9 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 64.
Garcia was born in Tulsa and spent the majority of his professional career working with Vince Gill for over three decades. In addition to his 30 years working with Gill, Garcia also lent his guitar tech talents to other artists including Crosby, Stills & Nash, the Dixie Chicks, Trisha Yearwood, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Reba McEntire.
“Benny and I had a 50-year friendship,” said Gill. “We met as kids and played in our first garage bands together, and for the last 30 years, he traveled with me everywhere. And for the last 50 years we’ve been inseparable.”
Garcia is survived by his wife Brenda, his mother Clara, sister Lisa Renee’ Garcia and her fiancé Jeff Wilder, brother Paul Garcia, Aunt Matilda Alviso, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, legendary jazz and swing guitar player Benny Garcia, Jr.
Due to the present coronavirus pandemic, no funeral will be held. A gathering to celebrate Garcia’s life will be held at a later date.
Those wanting to leave messages for the family can do so at dignitymemorial.com.
Pictured (L-R): Benny Garcia, Vince Gill. Photo: Morris PR
About the Author
Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at [email protected]View Author Profile
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