Benny Garcia, an accomplished guitarist, was born on March 20, 1926, in Oklahoma City. He started taking guitar lessons when he was about 14 years old. Before long, he was playing with various bands at area hotels and clubs.
Garcia joined Tex Williams' band in 1948, just after Williams came to Oklahoma City to play at a movie theatre located across from the KOMA Radio studios, where Garcia was performing. Tex heard Garcia play and signed him to tour with him throughout the United States.
While playing with Tex Williams and his Western Caravan, Garcia was in six Western movies between 1948 and 1952. When he left Tex Williams, Garcia signed on with another Western swing band led by Hank Penny. However, when World War II started, Garcia was drafted and sent to the Nevada desert to help test two atomic bombs.
When the war ended, Garcia joined the Johnnie Lee Wills band. They were headquartered in Tulsa at the famous Cain's Ballroom, where Johnnie Lee's brother, Bob Wills, had gained his fame and fortune. A short time later, Bob Wills hired Garcia. They played in every major city except New York City.
Seeking a change of pace, Garcia went to play for Patsy Cline. Today in his 70s, Garcia is still picking and grinning. He regularly performs on Wednesday and Friday nights at local clubs. His son, Benny Richard Garcia, serves as Vince Gill's guitar tech.