Augie Garcia (1932-1999)

Inducted 2025

  Born on St. Paul’s West Side, Augie Garcia has been referred to as The Godfather of Minnesota Rock n Roll. His family was immensely important to him, and his Uncle Frank ignited his passion for music. Augie would discreetly play Frank’s guitar during his uncle’s frequent travels, and Frank eventually purchased Augie his first guitar and taught him how to play. Augie would regularly play guitar and sing in Spanish with his uncle and father in their living room on weekends. Augie made his television debut on WTCN-TV in 1949 alongside two other musicians and Vera “Mama” Coronado, owner of a local Mexican restaurant. Subsequently, he formed a band called The Continentals with his friend and bass player Mike Continelli. However, just as their musical journey began, Augie and his bandmates were drafted into the Korean War.

  In 1954, upon returning from military service, Augie established a new band since previous members were still enlisted. The new ensemble, called The Augie Garcia Quintet, performed at The River Road Club located under The Mendota Heights Bridge and next to The Mississippi River- just minutes from the airport. The band impressed the club’s owner, securing a regular booking that grew from two nights to six nights per week. The River Road Club would remain lively late into the night with Augie and the band playing their hit song “Hi Yo Silver,” recognized as the first rock and roll recording made in Minnesota. The performances were energetic, with Augie often jumping on top of the piano or lying down on the floor.

  Augie had a lot of style. During his layover in Hawaii enroute to Korea, Augie observed people wearing Bermuda shorts, a style not yet popular in Minnesota. Upon returning home, he had his mother, who crafted all his stage outfits, transform his tuxedo pants into Bermuda shorts! Though initially met with disbelief, this unique style became his trademark.

  The band opened for prominent stars such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, and Chubby Checker. In 1956, local DJ Joe Zingale informed Augie that Elvis Presley was coming to Minnesota for the first time, and invited Augie & The Quintet to be the opening act. On May 14, 1956, during the band’s performance of “Hi Yo Silver,” the enthusiastic crowd’s reaction prompted Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker, to demand Augie leave the stage, asserting that “no one should compete with Elvis”.

  The band continued to perform throughout St. Paul and Minneapolis at venues including the Highland Rec Center, Swede’s, and Duffy’s bar. Despite offers to play outside the Twin Cities, commitments such as marriage, young families, and college prevented many band members from leaving. Thus, the band disbanded in 1962 after selling over 100,000 singles, with notable hits including “Hi Yo Silver,” “River Road Boogie,” and “Let the Good Times Roll.”

  Following the band’s breakup, Augie worked as an ironworker, contributing to the construction of numerous skyscrapers in Downtown Minneapolis. He cherished the new friendships and exhilarating views, referring to the experience as “walking on the sidewalks in the sky.”

  Augie met his wife, Nancy, while she was seated in front of the stage at Swede’s, where he flirted with her from the stage. They dated for several years before marrying in 1966 and had two daughters, Angie and Elena.

  In 1968, Augie resumed his music career as a solo artist after being approached by the owner of Haffner’s Restaurant in St. Paul. He performed in various restaurants, bars, hotel lounges, private parties, and weddings. In 1981, he reminisced about his music career in an interview with local PBS station KTCA-TV, describing it “like a paid vacation- we had so much fun.”

  Throughout his life, Augie frequently encountered individuals who recognized him from his days with the band and appreciated their admiration. On April 20, 1996, the band reunited for a sold-out performance at The Prom Center in St. Paul, where Augie’s daughters saw him perform on stage for the first time. The Governor of Minnesota, Arne Carlson, proclaimed the day as Augie Garcia Day, recognizing his influence and 45-year contribution to the music industry. Augie initiated the show by expressing gratitude to the audience and encouraged them to capture the moment with their cell phones, stating, “if anyone has one of those fancy cell phones, get them ready and let the good times roll!” The band broke into their hit “Let the Good Times Roll”, and the crowd rushed to the dance floor, where they danced the night away.

  Augie passed away on August 6, 1999, after a battle with esophageal cancer. His legacy endures, exemplified by the 2015 play “River Road Boogie: The Augie Garcia Story” produced by The Minnesota History Theater. The play received rave reviews and allowed Augie’s granddaughter, Lillieanna, to gain insight into her grandfather’s life, whom she never met.

  Augie would be profoundly honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and pleased to be remembered. If present, he would likely express his gratitude similarly to how he concluded his shows: “Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen, it’s really nice to know I have such good amigos”.