Joe Gagan is a consummate artist. Raised in the music and art explosion of the
1960s, he explored color and sound at a young age. His study of guitar and voice
began at age 13, influenced by the Beatles, Cream, and Chuck Berry. Playing in a band
with his brothers provided inspiration and income. At the same time, Joe was developing
a strong identity as a visual artist. By age 22, he had owned a jewelry business, had
played in numerous rock, jazz, and funk bands, and was entering architectural school.
Eventually heading a home building corporation, he established himself as an innovative
designer and communicator. Joe had retired from playing music professionally in the
mid 1980s, but continued to play casually. That retirement ended in 1993 when
a burglar stole his guitars. While buying new instruments, his interest in performing
publicly was rekindled and he quickly rose to active status in the Albuquerque club
scene. Joe now thanks that burglar for indirectly giving him one of the greatest gifts
he has ever received. He says he is permanently out of retirement. Joe lives in Albuquerque,
is married and has two sons from a previous marriage. He acknowledges his current band,
the Gagan Bros Band, as the most fulfilling creative endeavor he has ever participated
in. |