The Augie Garcia Quintet played rock ‘n’ roll in 1954 before they knew what to call it — Augie described their sound as rhythm-and-blues with a shuffle and a “hard sock.” The Minnesota Music Hall of Fame says the band likely recorded Minnesota’s first rock record.

Raised at the West Side Flats in St. Paul, Augie became known as a showman who danced on the piano and dressed year-round in Bermuda shorts tailored by his mother. He assembled a strong group of musicians that included Willie Brown on sax, Maurice Turner on bass (Prince’s uncle) and James “Cornbread” Harris (producer Jimmy Jam’s father). 

This story was written and reported by Michelle Bruch. Erika Janik is the Managing Editor of MinneCulture.

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Music credit: “Drinking Wine Spoli Oli,” performed by the Augie Garcia Quintet. “Hello Baby,” performed by the Augie Garcia Quintet. Used with permission from the Garcia family.

Support for MinneCulture comes from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.