Augie Garcia * the Godfather of Minnesota Rock
Formed in 1954 by St. Paul native and Korean War veteran Augie Garcia, the Augie Garcia Quintet forged a sound and stagecraft that make them widely credited with Minnesota’s very first rock and roll record. Garcia blended his Mexican heritage with heavy rhythm and blues, and assembled a powerhouse lineup that included influential pianist James “Cornbread” Harris and bassist Maurice Turner — the uncle of Prince. Their chemistry, relentless energy, and crossover appeal made them a local phenomenon.
High-energy shows at Mendota’s River Road Club and other regional venues turned the quintet into a must-see attraction. In 1955 they released the single “Hi Yo Silver,” which became a local hit and a staple on Twin Cities airwaves. Their live performances were legendary for their showmanship: so electrifying that when they opened for Elvis Presley at the St. Paul Auditorium in 1956, they reportedly whipped the crowd into such a frenzy that Colonel Tom Parker pulled them offstage for upstaging the headliner.
Though the band eventually dissolved and Garcia returned to work as an ironworker, the Quintet’s influence endured. They are remembered as foundational godfathers of the Minnesota rock scene — musicians who bridged cultural influences and laid groundwork for decades of local artists to come. Augie Garcia’s career and cultural impact were formally recognized when he was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame with the class of 2025 (April 25, 2025), cementing his place in the state’s musical history.
Augie Garcia * the Godfather of Minnesota Rock
Augie Garcia * the Godfather of Minnesota Rock
Formed in 1954 by St. Paul native and Korean War veteran Augie Garcia, the Augie Garcia Quintet forged a sound and stagecraft that make them widely credited with Minnesota’s very first rock and roll record. Garcia blended his Mexican heritage with heavy rhythm and blues, and assembled a powerhouse lineup that included influential pianist James “Cornbread” Harris and bassist Maurice Turner — the uncle of Prince. Their chemistry, relentless energy, and crossover appeal made them a local phenomenon.
High-energy shows at Mendota’s River Road Club and other regional venues turned the quintet into a must-see attraction. In 1955 they released the single “Hi Yo Silver,” which became a local hit and a staple on Twin Cities airwaves. Their live performances were legendary for their showmanship: so electrifying that when they opened for Elvis Presley at the St. Paul Auditorium in 1956, they reportedly whipped the crowd into such a frenzy that Colonel Tom Parker pulled them offstage for upstaging the headliner.
Though the band eventually dissolved and Garcia returned to work as an ironworker, the Quintet’s influence endured. They are remembered as foundational godfathers of the Minnesota rock scene — musicians who bridged cultural influences and laid groundwork for decades of local artists to come. Augie Garcia’s career and cultural impact were formally recognized when he was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame with the class of 2025 (April 25, 2025), cementing his place in the state’s musical history.
Augie Garcia * the Godfather of Minnesota Rock
