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ROCK & ROLL CALL 📞📞☎️
Our Visitor this week will be the founding member and lead vocalist of Gary Lewis and the Playboys.
Gary is the son of comedian Jerry Lewis and singer Patti Palmer.
As a gift for his 15th birthday, his parents gave Gary a drum set – his musical journey began.
When he was 18, he formed the Playboy band and was discovered by major music producer Snuff Garrett while the band was appearing at Disneyland.
According to Rock & Roll mythology – Gary named the Band “The Playboys” because they were always late for rehearsal.
His first record “This Diamond Ring” hit number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 (1965).
Gary became an instant success and was Cash Box Magazine’s 1965 Male Vocalist of the Year.
Besides “This Diamond Ring,” the band had its first seven releases reach the Top 10 on the music charts.
Other hits included: “Count Me In,” “Save Your Heart For Me,” “Everybody Loves A Clown,” “She’s Just My Style,” “Sure Gonna Miss Her,” and “Green Grass.”
An amazing success for the group.
An interesting note – Gary composed “Everybody Loves A Clown” as a birthday gift for his father Jerry Lewis – he changed his mind about giving his dad the gift.
We will find out why – Gary Lewis will visit the Cuz on Saturday 6/28/25.
CB
