This week’s edition of “Uncommon Oldies” takes us to radio station WKNR, Keener 13, in Detroit/Dearborn, Michigan.

My survey artists got their first job playing at Disneyland. Despite the lead singer being the son of a famous comedian, nobody at Disneyland knew of his heritage. The entertainment director simply liked what he saw and heard, and he hired them on the spot.

In the summer of 1964, the group was discovered by producer Snuff Garrett. Their first 7 songs were top ten hits and their very first song, “This Diamond Ring”, went all the way to #1.

In 1965, the lead singer, Gary Lewis, was voted Cash Box Magazine’s “Male Vocalist of the Year” winning the honor over other nominees Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra.

On the WKNR survey in May, 1967 at #26, here are Gary Lewis & the Playboys with Girls In Love, a song that peaked at #39 on the Billboard charts and was on the Liberty label.

“Girls In Love”

Gary Lewis & the Playboys

Liberty – 1967

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Truly Judy is a lover of 50’s, 6o’s and early 70’s music and is currently a DJ at www.topshelfoldies.org where they play the best in uncommon oldies and songs that weren’t over-played on the radio. Join us for live shows every night of the week, and our Auto DJ, Otto, plays music the rest of the day. Hope to see you there.