This Diamond Ring By Gary Lewis And The Playboys

Sometimes life is a lot easier when you have a famous parent, which brings us to Gary Lewis, the son of comedian Jerry Lewis.

Gary Lewis and The Playboys experienced success right from the start of their career. An appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show propelled their first single release, “This Diamond Ring,” to the top of the BILLBOARD Pop Chart on Feb. 20, 1965, where it remained for two weeks.

Lewis produced a simple but melodic brand of pop and his first seven releases all made the top ten. “Count Me In” and “Save Your Heart For Me” just missed the top of the chart stalling at number two.

The band had ten hits within a two year span but Lewis was drafted in late 1966. When he returned from his military service, his career never regained its momentum. He still appears in concert from time to time but never had another chart entry.

(You Don’t Have To) Paint Me A Picture 45 by Gary Lewis and The Playboys

Not many groups or artists can make the claim of having their first nine singles reach The American top 15 with five reaching the top four.

“(You Don’t Have To) Paint Me A Picture” was the last of the nine as it reached number 15 on the BILLBOARD MAGAZINE Pop Singles Chart during late 1966.

All of Gary Lewis’ releases were simple pop that were perfect AM radio fare. While his career would take a commercial down turn during the late 1960s due to the chaging landscape of American music, for three years they were one of the better, if simple, pop groups working.

Doin’ The Flake 45 by Gary Lewis and The Playboys

Like Gary Lewis and The Playboys? Like cereal? Well back in the day you could have both. Eat some cereal, send in the box tops, and you received a brand new copy of “Doing The Flake” by Gary Lewis and The Playboys.

The flip side was two songs, “This Diamond Ring” and “Little Miss Go-Go.” The first was their biggest hit and the second was probably their best song that never became a hit.

“Doin’ The Flake” was never available in stores but only through the mail. It remains Gary Lewis’ most collectable record.

Ice Melts In The Sun/The Loser 45 by Gary Lewis and The Playboys

Gary Lewis and The Playboys were a commercial force on the singles charts during the mid to late 1960s. They charted 15 hits with their first nine reaching the top 20 and the first five of those making the top five. They continued to release catchy pop tunes as the decade ended, and while they would have some pop success, the music of the era had begun to pass them by.

“The Loser (With A Broken Heart)/Ice Melts In The Sun” was released March 11, 1967 and it reached number 43. It was the last of their singles to be arranged by Leon Russell.

“Ice Melts In The Sun” was the B side of the single but I always perferred it over “The Loser.” It was a gentle mid-tempo pop tune that fit their style well.

There may have been some doubts when the record was released as both sides of the picture sleeve featured a different side as the lead song. Today both songs remain forgotten when compared to their big hits.

Everybody Loves A Clown 45 by Gary Lewis and The Playboys

“Everybody Loves A Clown” was the fourth single release by Gary Lewis & The Playboys. Released September 9, 1965, it reached number four on the BILLBOARD MAGAZINE Pop Singles Chart.

Four may seem like a big hit but their first three singles went one, two, and two on the charts.

“Everybody Loves A Clown” was the type of lightweight, catchy pop that would symbolize all of their best material. While it may not have been essential to the development of American rock ‘n’ roll, it was a pleasant way to spend a couple of minutes back in the mid-1960s.

Sure Gonna Miss Her 45 by Gary Lewis and The Playboys

Gary Lewis and The Playboys had their first nine singles reach the top 15 on the BILLBOARD MAGAZINE Pop Singles Chart, with five reachng the top five.

“Sure Gonna Miss Her” was the sixth of the nine. It was released March 5, 1966 and reached number nine on the the BILLBOARD Charts.

By this time they had their formular down pat. They released mid-tempo pop songs with lyrics that personified the inocent side of the sixties. “Sure Gonna Miss Her” fit right in and while it may not be one of their best releases, it still is a good listen 45 years later.

My Heart’s Symphony 45 by Gary Lewis & The Playboys

“My Heart’s Symphony” may just be my favorite song by Gary Lewis and The Playboys. It was a slick piece of up-tempo pop, It did not pretend to be essential to the era, but was just a fun listen.

It was their eightth single release and the first not to enter the American top ten. It stalled at number 13 during its seven weeks on the charts. It came with a picture sleeve that featured a very young Gary Lewis.

While the career of Gary Lewis would only produce hits between 1965-1969, he did issue a number of catchy releases that still make a person smile today.

Green Grass 45 by Gary Lewis and The Playboys

“Green Grass” was Gary Lewis’ seventh and last top ten hit. While he would continue to have chart hits for the next three years, none would enter the top ten.

“Green Grass” was also his seventh release. It was issued May 14, 1966 and reached number 8 on the BILLBOARD MAGAZINE Pop Singles Chart.

It was typical of their sound. It was light weight, mid-tempo pop/rock. It was the light side of music in the mid to late 1960’s as the world and its music were changing. Still, like all of his best material it remains a pleasant, if innocent listen.

Save Your Heart For Me 45 by Gary Lewis and The Playboys

Gary Lewis and The Playboys first seven singles, released over a 17 month period, all reched the top ten on the American singles charts.

“Save Your Heart For Me” was their third single and was released July 3, 1965. It would reach number two during its 11 week stay on the charts. It reached number one on The Adult Contemporary Chart.

It was another catchy mid-tempo pop tune that that was perfect for AM radio play.

Lewis was inducted into the Army January 1, 1967, and his career was not the same after his discharge as the music had changed. He left behind a number of excellent pop tunes.

This Diamond Ring 45 by Gary Lewis and The Playboys

Gary Lewis had a built in advantage at the beginning of his career. He was the son of comedian Jerry Lewis and so he debuted his first single on The Ed Sullivan Show which was seen by millions of Americans. “This Diamond Ring” promptly shot to the top of The American singles charts for two weeks in Jan. of 1965.

His records all contained simple melodies with with uncomplicated lyrics and Lewis’ voice is pleasant. It was typical inoffensive radio fare and his singles sold in the millions.

His backing group was the Playboys and consisted of guitarists Al Ramsey and John West, keyboardest David Walker, and bassist David Costell. Lewis played the drums during the early part of his career.

Gary Lewis and The Playboys would place 15 singles on the American charts between 1965 and 1969 with seven entering the top ten.

He would be drafted into the army in early 1967 and give a farewell performance on The Ed Sullivan Show. By the time he was discharged the music world had changed drastically and he quickly faded from the scene although he remains active on the oldies scene.

“This Diamond Ring,” written by Al Kooped and with arrangements by Leon Russell remains a nice relic of a simplier time.