Music & Games

Legendary Gary Puckett honored at NY amusement/music operator gathering

Gary Puckett received the 2023 Jukebox Artist of the Year award from AMOA-NY President Ken Goldberg, left, of Emerson Amusements, Woodside, New York and AMOA-NY Vice President Joe Bossolina, right, of McGee Amusements, Ridgefield, New Jersey.

April 26, 2023

Gary Puckett, the legendary musician, received the Jukebox Artist of the Year Award at the Amusement and Music Owners Association of New York annual gala this week. Puckett was best known for this band, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap.

The gathering of more than 130 amusement and music industry members packed into Ben & Jack's Steakhouse in New York City charmed Puckett by singing his hit song, "Young Girl."

"Everyone knew the words, and it felt great to be back in person, and to experience the warmth, energy and excitement in the room," said Alicia Lavay, brand director of Vending Times.

Michael Pace, founder and chairman of Pace-O-Matic Corp. of Duluth, Georgia, was honored as the 2023 Guest of Honor award.

Association president Ken Goldberg of Emerson Amusement quipped that his position was supposed to be temporary, but that he, too is "still standing after all these years."

Michael Pace, founder and chairman of Pace-O-Matic Corp., received the 2023 guest of honor plaque at the Annual AMOA-NY gala. Making the award are AMOA-NY President Ken Goldberg, center, of Emerson Amusements, Woodside, New York and AMOA-NY Vice President Joe Bossolina, right, of McGee Amusements, Ridgefield, New Jersey.

Photos: Networld Media Group.