Gary Lewis & the Playboys were a 1960s rock group fronted by Gary Lewis, son of comedian Jerry Lewis. They are best known for their 1965 Billboard Hot 100 number-one single "This Diamond Ring." In 1965, Gary Lewis was Cash Box magazine's "Male Vocalist of the Year," winning against nominees Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. The group was one of only two acts during the 1960's whose first seven Hot 100 releases reached that chart's top 10 (The Lovin' Spoonful was the other): "This Diamond Ring" (#1), "Count Me In" (#2), "Save Your Heart for Me" (#2), "Everybody Loves a Clown" (#4), "She's Just My Style" (#3), "Sure Gonna Miss Her" (#9), and "Green Grass" (#8).
Of those seven songs, Save Your Heart For Me was a summer hit, evoking teen-age love song nostalgia reminiscent of the 50's. But the important thing is that it was a number two smash hit, it earned a gold record, and it's mostly forgotten today. Perhaps it's hard to take Jerry Lewis's son serious today, or maybe because it's a rock band with an accordion player... but whatever the reason it's a great song and deserves airplay!
