A good fight is something renowned Shore blues singer, songwriter and guitarist Gary Cavico has never has backed away from. As a one-time amateur boxer and lifelong animal rights supporter, Cavico has been fighting the good fight not only for himself, but also for the many four- legged friends in the world who have no voice.
Watching “American Bandstand” with his brother as a young man, the music of the ’60s and ’70s really r ubbed of f on him. He acquired a guitar in elementary school and learned to play along to the music of Duane Eddy, Little Richard and Chuck Berry. When the British Invasion arrived, Cavico discovered The Beatles, The Dave Clark Five and The Rolling Stones. He was hooked for life and began playing at school dances at the age of 13.
In 1967 he joined his first serious band called Little Joe and The Kokomos, working several nights a week. A bit later, this band morphed into The Chicago Massacre. They continued to work steadily alongside other bands like The Motifs from Howell and a new band called The Castiles, featuring a young Bruce Springsteen. Cavico learned much by watching the The Boss in the early days, both in The Castiles and later in Steel Mill. Like most local musicians, he would frequent the Upstage Club and Sunshine Inn in Asbury Park’s heyday to see what the big names were doing.
In 1968, an interest in boxing led Cavico to begin training with New Jersey Golden Glove champion Ricky Thomas. As it turned out, Cavico was just as talented in the ring as he was on stage. From 1968 through 1978, Cavico compiled an impressive record of 28 wins with seven knockouts, only six losses and no draws. He was successful in both the lightweight and junior middleweight classes. Fighting was risky hobby for a man who made his living playing guitar, but fortunately he and his hands held up just fine.
In the early 1980s, blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughn burst on to the national scene and Cavico was enamored with Vaughn’s style and sound. He decided he would concentrate on the blues from that point on and formed Stone Blue, a blues band that would have much success. Because the clubs in the area diminished in number and the gigs were slightly harder to come by, Cavico decided to start a small fitness training business. He has worked – and continues to work – with clients to help them fulfill their goals of fitness and health. For those interested in the fight game, he can give you all the knowledge you will need to possibly become the next Golden Glove champ in your weight class.
Another cause near and dear to Cavico’s heart is animal rescue and adoption. He has volunteered at the local SPCA facility in Eatontown, and has operated a successful dog grooming business as well. His heart is just as large as his talent and Cavico works hard to get the word out for “friends” needing new homes by frequently posting information from several shelters in the central New Jersey area on his Facebook page.
These days, Cavico is still all about the music. In 2015 The Blues Hall of Fame acknowledged his talents and inducted him as “A Great Blues Artist” from New Jersey, and the Stone Blue band has transformed into The Gary C Band. With fellow members Frank Frasche on sax, John Dafnis on drums and George Somers on bass, the audience is treated to some fantastic blues music every time out. Because they have been friends for so many years on the Shore scene, former E Street Band drummer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Vini Lopez has teamed up with Cavico to hit the road as The Wonderful Winos for several dozen gigs throughout the year. Joining Lopez and Cavico is sensational sax man Frasche (pulling double duty for both bands) and bassist Jon Sebastian Brice, who can somehow play the harp with his right hand and press notes on the bass neck with his left hand during a song. If you haven’t seen it in person, you would never believe it – and it works!
You can visit GaryCavico.com or his Facebook page for some charming pet videos and band updates. Gary’s blistering guitar work is something to be experienced, so be sure to catch a show soon.
Chris Spiewak is a 40- year veteran of the Shore music scene.
The article originally appeared in the March 19-25, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
