Gary Shoemake was born in Oklahoma, spent many years in Texas and now makes his home in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee.  In 1987 Gary became Director and part owner of English Mountain Retreat, in Sevierville, Tennessee, where he makes his home.

In 2000, Gary and his partners sold the retreat and he is now traveling full time as a Caller and Caller Coach.  Gary's Calling dates and seminars take him nationwide.

After recording for Chaparral Records and being associated with his recording partners Ken Bower, Jerry Haag, Marshall Flippo and Scott Smith for the past twenty years, Gary is now recording with Rhythm Records (Along with Ken, Jerry and Marshall).  Gary has also recorded for Crown Records, Eagle Records, Kalox, Wagon Wheel Records and ESP Records.

Gary started Dancing and Calling in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1964.  He made it his full time vocation in 1968.  Gary's travels have taken him to all fifty states as well as Mexico, Canada, England, Scotland, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, Denmark and Central America.

Square Dancing has provided so very much to Gary's life, however, he is proud of the friends and associates he's made through the years.  His only hope is the ability to give back to this wonderful activity a small portion of the happiness it has provided him and his family.