When Jazz guitarist Gary Potter went back to school he found things had certainly changed a great deal.
Ex-Knowsley Hey pupil Gary revisited Hey when Huyton Today's news team, hearing of his worldwide fame as a guitarist, swooped to scoop a story.
Gary was happy to swap details of school experiences with reporters Andrew and John, although, eventually, the truth slowly emerged. The only key to success is - hard work!
Gary's musical pedigree is second to none. The Huyton teenager who was entranced by the guitar playing of classical master Segovia, turned into a world renowned and respected jazz guitarist with his own unique style.
His influences include Django Reinhardt, Bireli Lagrene and Charlie Parker. In his youth Gary played in Dock Road pubs and honed his craft in front of audiences in the Atlantic Bar, alongside rhythm guitarist (and landlord!) John Cardwell.
Gary's fame has spread, and he has played with performers like Benny Green, Herbie Flowers, Rosemary Squires, George Hamilton IV and Glen Campbell, to name but a few. He has wowed audiences at Ronnie Scotts' Jazz Club and travelled the world, and some of the finest musicians in the country hold him in great esteem. Chet Atkins summed up by saying, "Gary is a heck of a guitar player". Great praise indeed.
His memories of school are many and varied, but the most important piece of advice he gave our reporters was to "work hard at whatever you do." He considers himself to be lucky - he gets paid for doing something he loves, but talent, hard work, endless hours of practice and a determination to be the best have all paid off.
A proposed lunchtime music session with Gary is a treat for budding musicians at Hey to look forward to. Huyton Today will be following his progress with great interest - a Huyton star to be proud of!
Picture: Gary Potter with Huyton Today reporters Andrew Hayes and John Thompson.
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