Joe Lopez Garcia Jr. was born February 6, 1922 to parents who owned a tailor shop in downtown Dallas, Texas. Joe and his three sisters, Mabel, Jeanette, and Lola, began studying music at a very early age. Joe chose the drums. Resisting his father's attempts to train him to make a custom men's suits and take over the family business, Joe began slipping out late at night to join the after hours jam sessions in a club around the block at the age of 13.

Joining the Air Force after graduating from high school, he played in the Air Force Band and attained the rank of Sergeant. After serving his country in World War II, Joe became a professional musician playing drums with small combos and major bands including the Ray McKinley Orchestra (previously the Glenn Miller Orchestra). He traveled extensively, performing in cities large and small while honing his skills. Many of his fellow musicians have said he was the best drummer they ever saw. Joe had a long list of famous entertainers that he was proud to say he performed with, but the best times were the jam sessions after the doors were closed.

Marrying Ellen Katherine Atchley on Sept 27, 1949 they settled down in Dallas, where he performed with local bands until he put together his own group. "Night Music", and later "The Joe Garcia Orchestra" performed regularly in the Lancer's Club, the Petroleum Club, the Chapparrel, the Colony Club and on a morning show on television show. The ensemble often played for private parties held by the most elite members of the Dallas/Fort Worth society. His group also provided live music for Titches fashion shows. Joe especially loved performing with the Dil Gray Circus at the State Fair for many years. He and his beloved wife Ellen operated a successful music agency for ten years. Joe also found side work recording ads and jingles in a Dallas recording studio. In 1971 Joe began teaching private lessons, and continued to teach until July of this year. He continued to play his drums at home for his own entertainment until a few weeks before his death. After he retired from his career as a performer in his 70's, Joe worked 40 hours per week for Wackenhut Security while he continued to teach private drum lessons to 25 or more students.

Joe was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November of 2002 and began chemotherapy a few weeks later. He lived more than a year longer than doctors expected. With medication to control the pain and nausea, he was able to return to teaching, saw percussion performances by his niece Patricia Islas, went fishing, served as usher at St. Philips Catholic Church on Sundays, and enjoyed family gatherings. On Friday August 13, 2004 he entered Baylor Hospital for treatment and evaluation. With his wife Ellen, his nephew Charles, and his niece Margaret at his bedside, Joe L. Garcia left this world to enter the Kingdom of God on Tuesday August 17, 2004 at 2:30 PM. Joe's parents, sisters, cousins, and many friends precede his passing. His wife Ellen Garcia, his stepson Morris Price, and his loving nieces and nephews survive him.

Jesus was his Savior. Catherine was his love. Music was his life. Performing was his passion. Teaching was his calling. Joe was once heard to say, "I never worked a day in my life. I went from one party to the next and we were the entertainment." A drum key and pair of sticks were lovingly placed in his casket.

Can you hear the beat?